What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common inflammatory condition that damages the tissues around your teeth, and in later stages the jawbone itself.
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Four out of five people have gum disease and don’t know it. It’s the number one reason for tooth loss, and it’s very treatable when caught early.
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(812) 523-4545“Periodontal” means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support your teeth. It starts with plaque, a sticky film of food debris, bacteria and saliva. Plaque that isn’t removed hardens into calculus (tartar), and together they begin to destroy gums and bone.
Because it’s usually painless in its early stages, most people don’t know they have it. Gum disease is the number one reason adults lose teeth, and research suggests links to stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease and risks during pregnancy. Smoking raises your risk.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet and regular dental visits all help lower your risk.
Warning signs
- Bleeding gums. Gums should never bleed, even when you brush hard or floss.
- Loose teeth, from bone loss or weakened supporting fibers.
- New spaces between teeth, caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath, caused by bacteria.
- Pus around teeth and gums, a sign of infection.
- Receding gums.
- Red, puffy gums.
- Tenderness or discomfort from plaque, tartar and bacteria.
In this section
Causes
Plaque bacteria cause gum disease, but genetics, habits and health conditions all affect your risk, and many of them you can change.
Types
Gum disease ranges from mild, reversible gingivitis to serious forms that destroy bone. Here’s how each type behaves and is treated.
Signs & Symptoms
Gum disease can progress with no pain at all, so knowing the warning signs, and keeping your checkups, matters.
Diagnosis
A periodontal exam is part of every regular checkup. It measures the small spaces between your teeth and gums.
Treatment
Treatment depends on how far gum disease has progressed. We’ll evaluate your gums and recommend the right care.
Scaling & Root Planing
A thorough, non-surgical deep cleaning that removes the plaque and tartar causing gum inflammation, above and below the gum line.
Prophylaxis (Cleaning)
A professional cleaning that keeps your mouth healthy and helps stop gum disease and gingivitis in their tracks.
Antibiotic Treatment
Antibiotics, taken by mouth or placed right in the gum pockets, help reduce bacteria before and after gum treatments.
Maintenance
After gum treatment, regular maintenance cleanings, usually four times a year, keep gum disease under control.
Bruxism (Grinding)
Grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, often while you sleep, can damage teeth and gums and cause headaches and jaw pain.
Pocket Irrigation
Flushing plaque and bacteria from between teeth and below the gum line, in our office or at home with a water jet.
Mouth–Body Connection
Research shows strong links between gum disease and other chronic conditions, so caring for your gums helps protect your whole body.
Gum Disease & Diabetes
Gum disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes, and each condition can make the other worse.
Gum Disease & Heart Health
People with gum disease are nearly twice as likely to have coronary heart disease, and oral infection is a known risk factor for stroke.
Gum Disease & Pregnancy
Pregnancy hormones raise your risk of gum disease, which research links to preeclampsia, premature birth and low birth weight. Safe treatment helps.
Gum Disease & Osteoporosis
Women with osteoporosis are more likely to develop gum disease, and both are far less dangerous when caught early.
Gum Disease & Lung Health
Research links gum disease to COPD, pneumonia, bronchitis and emphysema, and treating your gums can help your lungs too.
Notice any of these? Book a visit and we’ll check your gums.
Ready to book a visit?
Send a request online or give us a call. Our scheduling coordinator will confirm a time with you.