Gum disease is a common problem that affects millions of people. A potentially serious condition, gum disease begins as swelling in the gum tissue surrounding teeth. For many, only a few teeth are affected, though untreated gum disease will likely spread from tooth to tooth.
Gum Disease
The condition develops because of toxic bacterial waste, from bacteria
in plaque, which causes the inflammation in gum tissue. Plaque can be
removed with twice a day brushing and regular six-month cleanings with
our experienced hygienist. When not properly removed, plaque will build
up around teeth, and can harden into tartar. Bacteria flourish in plaque
and tartar, weakening both teeth and gum tissue.
Gum tissue is an important
part of our oral structure. This soft tissue supports teeth in their
proper positions, and keeps them stable for chewing. When affected by
gum disease, the gums and bone cannot adequately support teeth, which
can become loose, or even fall out in the case of advanced periodontal
disease. The early signs of gum disease can be easy to miss without
professional evaluation. At Washington Street Dentistry, we carefully
examine gum tissue as a part of our routine dental checkups, giving us
the chance to treat gum disease early.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease is progressive, which points to the importance of early treatment. In its earliest form, gingivitis, gum disease can be reversed. However, this is the hardest time to spot the signs. One clue to watch for is bleeding gums. When you brush and floss your teeth, even if you do so aggressively, gums should not bleed. If they do, you should seek treatment to return to optimal oral health.
Untreated gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, in which plaque has reached the roots of teeth, causing infection below the gums. Periodontitis can and should be treated so that supportive fibers and bone tissue do not sustain damage.
Advanced periodontal disease can cause teeth to become loose, even shifting in position and affecting the bite. When gum disease has progressed to this extent, the bone and supporting fibers might sustain extensive damage that could lead to the loss of teeth.
The team at Washington Street Dentistry has the training to diagnose and treat gum disease properly so that your smile remains healthy and attractive. Our hygienists provide personalized care for each stage of gum disease, and can guide you on ideal home hygiene techniques for the promotion of healthy gums.
Contact us in Indianapolis for your gum disease evaluation.
Related Videos
The 3 stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis is caused by toxins irritating the gum line as a result of plaque buildup. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis can include swelling, sensitivity and bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing. Gingivitis can be easily reversed through professional care and good home oral hygiene. Periodontitis is categorized as irreversible bone loss that results from untreated gingivitis. The Gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line which traps food and plaque. Dental treatment and home care can help prevent from further damage but at this stage the results are not reversible. Advanced Periodontitis is when the fiber and bones supporting the teeth are destroyed. This may cause teeth to shift or loosen; teeth may have to be removed depending on how advance the disease has become and if treatment are non-effective. You can begin by preventing gum disease with good oral health. Pick up a brochure or ask your dentist today
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gum disease?
Gum or periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease that affects the gums and the surrounding teeth-supporting tissues. It occurs when plaque (oral biofilm) thrives due to poor oral hygiene. Over time, the harmful bacteria in plaque release toxic substances that irritate the gums.
There are two forms of gum disease.
- Gingivitis: It’s the earliest and mildest form of gum disease. It’s much easier to treat because the infection is at the surface.
- Periodontitis: When you fail to treat gingivitis, the disease progresses to periodontitis, a much more severe stage of periodontal disease. Periodontitis can cause permanent damage to your gums and underlying bone.
What causes gum disease?
The most common cause of gum disease is failure to brush and floss your teeth and skipping regular dental visits. However, you can develop gum disease from tobacco use, hormonal changes, dry mouth, and immune-suppressing conditions like diabetes.
How do I know I have gum disease?
Gingivitis has milder symptoms, and it’s easy to miss them because they aren’t painful. Common signs of gingivitis include gum tenderness, redness, and swelling. Your gums also easily bleed when brushing or flossing your teeth.
When you have advanced gingivitis (periodontitis), the infection attacks the periodontal ligaments, which causes your gums to pull away (recede). As such, you’ll notice pockets of space where your gums meet with teeth. Gum recession causes your teeth to appear unusually long. You’ll also experience consistent bad breath, no matter how long you clean your teeth.
Gum disease doesn’t stop there. When the infection “eats away” the teeth-supporting structures, your teeth will become loose. This changes how your bite fits together. Eventually, your teeth will fall out!
How is gum disease treated?
Our office uses a conservative approach to treat gum disease. Gingivitis is easy to treat and is the only reversible form of gum disease. In most cases, all you need is a dental cleaning and good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth twice daily and use a medicated mouthwash.
Periodontitis is more severe than gingivitis, so treating it is more challenging. Deep teeth cleaning is the most common procedure for moderate to severe gum infections. This two-pronged procedure uses scaling to remove tartar deposits and bacterial toxins from the deep periodontal pockets. Root planingsmoothesthe surface of your roots to make it harder for bacteria to grow in the future. The dentist can complement deep teeth cleaning with oral or topical antibiotics.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Optimal oral hygiene is the best way to keep your gums healthy. Also, ensure you visit your dentist twice annually or sooner for routine cleanings and check-ups. Your diet also plays an essential role in periodontal health. Limit the intake of sugary foods and maintain a balanced diet.
Does my local dentist offer gum disease treatment?
Rare you ready for healthy gums in Indianapolis, Indiana? Call (317) 333-6788 to schedule an appointment with Washington Street Dentistry for comprehensive periodontal care.
