1. What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and the supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.

Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis.


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

Warning signs that can signal a problem:

Gums that bleed easily

Red, swollen, tender gums

Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

Permanent teeth that are loose or separating

Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Any change in the fit of partial dentures


3. Who gets periodontal disease?

Factors that increase the risk of developing periodontal disease:

1. Dental plaque is the primary culprit of periodontal disease. If not removed within 24 hours, dental plaque turns into tartar, the hallmark of periodontal disease. You can prevent dental plaque by practicing good oral hygiene.

2. Tobacco smoking or chewing

3. Systemic diseases such as diabetes

4. Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

5. Bridges that no longer fit properly

6. Crooked teeth

7. Fillings that have become defective

8. Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives


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

Watch out for the warning signs: Bleeding gums, red/swollen/tender gums, receding gums, bad breath.


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

Visit your dentist immediately. He or she will assess the status of your gum disease and will take all the necessary steps to reverse it, if possible and avoid further damages to your gum and teeth through adequate periodontal treatment.


6. What treatments are needed?

Gingivitis can often be reversed by professional teeth cleaning (called scaling) and through systematic home oral hygiene:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day consistently and meticulously. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months or sooner if the bristles are worn. A worn toothbrush won' t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

2. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Decay causing bacteria still remain between teeth where toothbrush bristles can' t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

3. Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.

4. * Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and oral exams.

When the damage from periodontal disease is more pronounced, exposing more root structure above bone, the process of treatment is called "root planing". It is like smoothing the surface of a piece of wood, except it is done on the root of a tooth. The root of a tooth is naturally sensitive, and that is why local anesthesia may be needed when working in this area. The hygienist may also apply localized antibiotics or other medicaments beneath the gum line in deep pockets after finishing the root planing procedure. In severe cases, patients are referred to a periodontist who is a "gum specialist" who can take further steps like surgery to restore your gum health.