What is periodontal (gum) disease?

Periodontal diseases are infections that affect the tissues and bone that support teeth.


What are the signs of periodontal (gum) disease?

Several warning signs can indicate periodontal disease. The following are the most common.

-Gums that bleed easily

-Red, swollen, or tender gums

-Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

-Having persistent bad breath

-Finding pus between the teeth and gums

-Finding the the teeth are becoming loose and separating from each other

-Seeing a change in the way the teeth fit together when biting and chewing

-Noticing a change in the fit of partial dentures


Who gets periodontal disease?

Unfortunately anyone can get periodontal disease. The disease is certainly seen more often in adults due to contributing factors such as smoking or chewing tobacco, having certain systemic diseases and taking medications such as steroids. However, young people can certainly be affected.


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

If you think you have periodontal disease you need to go to your dentist and have an examination of the gums. The dentist will use a specific instrument called a periodontal probe that gently measures the depth of gums surrounding each tooth to determine the health of the tissues.


What treatments are available for gum disease?

Treating perodontal disease will depend on the type and severity of the disease. If caught early in the early stages (when it is gingivitis) simply improving daily hygiene along with a visit to the hygienist maybe all that is needed. As the disease progresses it will be necessary to do a "deeper cleaning" that involves scaling and root planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar deposits from the tooth and root surfaces. In cases when the disease has reached the bone, surgery may be required. In addition when the disease has advanced medications may be prescribed to help control infection and pain, or to aid healing.


Who is a periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who has additonal training through accredited dental schools and specialized in evaluating and treating periodontal disease.