What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that support your teeth. It's one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Since it often develops without noticeable pain, many people are unaware they have it. That's why, during every routine checkup, our dentist carefully checks for signs of gum disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease develops from plaque buildup—a sticky film of bacteria that forms below the gum line. If not removed through regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings, plaque releases toxins that irritate and damage the gums. Gum disease progresses in two stages: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.
- Gingivitis: The earliest stage, marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. It also leads to the formation of pockets between the teeth and gums. Gum disease is reversible at this stage with good oral hygiene and professional care.
- Periodontitis: If untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontitis. Gums begin to recede, exposing tooth roots and leading to bone loss. The damage becomes permanent, potentially resulting in loose or lost teeth. Advanced gum disease is also linked to severe health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Several factors can raise your risk of gum disease, including:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Diabetes
- Certain medications (e.g., steroids, epilepsy drugs, cancer treatments, calcium channel blockers, oral contraceptives)
- Ill-fitting dental bridges
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Worn or aging dental fillings
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy
Managing these risk factors with regular dental care and healthy habits can help prevent periodontal disease.
Possible Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
While gum disease can often develop without noticeable symptoms, some signs to watch for include:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Pus between the teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting permanent teeth
- Changes in bite alignment
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your dentist for evaluation and treatment.
Preventing Gum Disease
Maintaining healthy gums starts with an intense oral hygiene routine at home. These simple habits can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and help keep your smile healthy:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Floss daily to clean between teeth
- Follow a balanced, nutritious diet
- Avoid tobacco products
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups, cleanings, and periodontal evaluations
Consistent care is key to preventing gum disease and protecting oral health.
Periodontal Treatments
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, several treatment options are available based on the severity of your condition. We typically begin with non-surgical, minimally invasive methods. However, surgical intervention may be required in advanced cases to restore gum health.
Non-Surgical Treatment
The first step in treating gum disease is a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. This involves using an ultrasonic tool to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, around the tooth, and along the root areas that regular cleanings can’t reach. The root surfaces are then smoothed (planed) to help the gums reattach to the teeth and promote healing.
Scaling and root planing may be the only treatment needed if caught early. However, consistent aftercare is essential. To prevent gum disease from returning, you’ll need to brush and floss daily, eat a balanced diet, avoid tobacco, and maintain regular dental visits. Gum disease can come back without proper care, even after a successful treatment.
Surgical Treatment Options
When gum disease has caused extensive damage to the tissues or bone supporting your teeth, non-surgical treatments may not be enough. Surgical procedures can help restore oral health and save your smile in such cases. Here are some common types of periodontal surgery we may recommend based on the condition of your teeth and gums:
Pocket Depth Reduction (Flap Surgery)
Periodontal disease creates deep pockets between the teeth and gums, allowing bacteria to accumulate and cause further damage. In a pocket reduction procedure, the gums are gently lifted to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the tooth roots. Damaged tissue is removed, and the healthy gum is stitched back into place. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and reduces pocket depth, making it harder for bacteria to return.
Regeneration
When gum disease leads to bone and tissue loss, regeneration procedures help rebuild these structures. After cleaning the area thoroughly, your dentist may place a bone graft or apply tissue-stimulating proteins to encourage natural regeneration. This promotes the regrowth of healthy bone and tissue around the teeth.
Soft-Tissue Graft
Gum recession exposes tooth roots, leading to sensitivity, aesthetic concerns, and increased risk of decay. A soft-tissue graft involves taking tissue—usually from the roof of the mouth—and attaching it to the receded gum area. This covers exposed roots, restores the gum line, and protects against further damage. It can also improve the appearance of your smile.
If you think you may need gum treatment or want a professional evaluation, contact Parker Dentistry or schedule your appointment online today.