Gum Disease

Gum disease, also know as periodontal disease, is the infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is usually painless, and you may not know you have it. That is why it is very dangerous and requires routine check-ups for prevention. In fact, current medical research has linked periodontal disease to heart attacks, strokes, and other health ailments.

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a bacteria that creates toxins, which can damage the gums.

In the early stages of gum disease, know as gingivitis, the gums can become red, swollen and will easily bleed. At this point, the disease is still reversible and can often be eliminated by brushing and flossing.

Periodontitis, a more advanced stage of gum disease, is when the gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously damaged. Teeth can become loose, fall out or may have to be removed by a dentist.

What are the signs of gum disease?

If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see your dentist immediately:

Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth Red, swollen or tender gums Gums that have pulled away from the teeth Bad breath that doesn't go away Pus between your teeth and gums Loose teeth A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite A change in the fit of partial dentures

Periodontitis: Unremoved, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As plaque and calculus continue to build up, the gums begin to recede (pull away) from the teeth, and pockets form between the teeth and gums.

Advanced periodontitis: The gums recede further, destroying more bone and the periodontal ligament. Consequently, even healthy teeth may become loose and need to be extracted.