Treatment of Periodontal (Gum) Disease

• Periodontal disease is very common in adults. According to the CDC, nearly half of all adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum disease. People with periodontal disease often have gums that bleed quite easily. It may also be difficult to eat because the teeth can become very sensitive and loose. Some people with periodontal disease can also have bad breath.

• Periodontal disease is the result of untreated infections and inflammations of the gums and bone that support the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth that forms plaque around our teeth. Without routine brushing and flossing, the plaque continues to build up forming tartar (calculus) which leads to the gum tissue becoming red, swollen and inflammed. Over time, the bacteria can affect the supporting bone, causing teeth to become loose and resulting in eventual loss.

Warning signs of periodontal disease

• • Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
  • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Types of Gum Disease

Periodontitis can be a manifestation of systemic diseases such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. Periodontitis resulting from systemic conditions can begin at a young age.

Gingivitis occurs when tarter and bacteria trapped under the gum line lead to infection, causing the gums to become inflamed. Eventually, pockets form between tooth and gum making plaque harder to remove. If left untreated the disease advances and bone damage occurs, which can lead to the loss of one or more teeth.

Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.

Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.

Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.