Periodontal Disease & It’s Treatment

What do health gums look like?

In a healthy mouth, gums are pink and do not bleed on toothbrushing. They are firm and cannot be easily separated from teeth.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is inflammation of the tissue that supports teeth and attach them to the jaw. In the early stages the disease only involves soft gum tissue and is called gingivitis. Later, disease may spread to the bone and is called periodontitis.

Nowadays, in the UK gum disease is one of the commonest cause of tooth loss in adults.

What does gum disease look like?

This depends on the severity of the disease. In gingivitis, the gum are usually red and swollen, and often bleed during tooth brushing.

As the disease progresses, gums shrink and teeth may loosen as bone underneath is destroyed. Eventually some teeth may fall out or have to be removed by your dentist.

Gum disease is often associated with bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by a thin layer of bacteria called plaque which builds up on teeth. These bacteria release poisons which irritate the gum and other supporting tissues, causing inflammation. Gingivitis is caused by plaque, which forms on teeth near the gum margin. The plaque which causes periodontitis is different – it builds up in the pockets that form between gums and teeth as the disease gets worse. Some people are more susceptible to gum disease than others.

Can gum disease be controlled?

YES

• Careful brushing and flossing reduces the build up of plaque at the gum margins and between the teeth.
• Regular dental visits supplement your own efforts. Your dentist or hygienist can remove any plaque that has formed above and below the gum line. They can also remove calculus (tartar). This hard deposit provides a good surface for plaque to grow on. Since calculus resists normal brushing it needs to be professionally removed.
• Existing gum disease can be treated if it is not too advanced. Where pockets have formed the root of teeth can be cleaned and smoothed to allow the gum to reattach and the swelling to subside. This is called scaling and root surface instrumentation. In deeper pockets it may be useful to reduce the bacteria using antibiotics. In advanced disease, surgery to reshape the gum and bone can help to stabilise teeth and prevent them falling out. Surgery can also make it easier to remove plaque and tartar from these sites.