Gum Disease: Gingivitis/Periodontitis

You may not realize that persistent sore, swollen, red, or bleeding gums as well as tooth pain or sensitivity and bad breath are warning signs of periodontal disease (gum disease) - a serious infection that, left untreated, may lead to tooth loss as well as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and premature/underweight babies.

What are Periodontitis, Gingivitis and Gum Disease?

Gum disease is manifested in two forms. Periodontitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the gums, often remains unnoticed for years or decades in a patient and results in loss of bone around teeth. Gingivitis involves inflammation of the gums but no bone loss.

The Progression of Gum Disease

Periodontitis is a common complaint affecting approximately 50% of U.K. adults over the age of 30 years. It occurs in people who have preexisting gingivitis which is itself caused by the accumulation of bacteria at the gum line (dental plaque). If left untreated, plaque calcifies to form dental calculus. Dental calculus must be removed completely by the dentist in order to treat gingivitis and periodontitis.

Treatment of Gum Disease

We use professional scraping instruments to remove bacterial plaque and calculus around teeth and below the gum-line. Local anesthesia is sometimes used to keep the patient comfortable during this procedure. We may prescribe antibiotics to prevent bacterial development during the gum healing process.

Prevention of Gum Disease

Daily oral hygiene is vital in preventing the onset and growth of gum disease. Brushing and flossing are vital in keeping teeth free from plaque-generating bacteria.