1. What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease is gum and bone disease. The disease process is caused by bacterial toxins and the host response to these toxins. This disease can range from simple gingivitis to severe advanced periodontitis causing the loss of teeth.


2. What are the signs of periodontal (gum) disease?

This disease may be painless or symptomless, but usually symptoms such as bleeding , swelling or recession of gum tissue, loosened teeth, elongated teeth, bad breath, or sensitivity and soreness may be noticed.


3. Who gets periodontal disease?

Anyone who has teeth can get periodontal disease. Those who neglect their oral health needs are more apt to suffer from the disease.


4. How does one know if I have a gum disease?

Any practicing dentist can diagnose and treat periodontal disease or refer you to a periodontist if the case is more severe.


5. What do I do if I think I have gum disease?

If you think you have gum disease you should see a dentist as soon as you can so that he can make a diagnosis.


6. What treatments are needed?

The treatment needed may be as simple as a dental prophylaxis. However, if the disease is more serious you may need what is called root planing and scaling . In a worst case scenario you may need periodontal surgery or extraction of one or more teeth.