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> What should I do if I think I have
gum disease?
> What is periodontal disease?
> What are the signs of gum disease?
> What causes gum disease?
> What factors might increase your risk
and contribute to gum disease?
> How is gum disease diagnosed?
> How is gum disease treated?
> How can gum disease be prevented?
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What should I do if I think I have gum disease?
You should look for the warning signs of gum disease:
» Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your
teeth
» Red, swollen or tender gums
» Persistent bad breath or a chronic bad taste
in your mouth
» Gums that have receded or pulled away from your
teeth
» Pus between the teeth and gums
» Teeth that seem loose or that change position
» A change in your bite or the way your teeth
fit together
See a dental professional trained in the diagnosis
and treatment of gum disease.
You may have periodontal disease and not have any of
these symptoms.The only good way to detect periodontal
disease is a proper examination by a trained dental
professional.
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What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease affects four out of five
adults. In fact, it’s the leading cause of tooth
loss in adults over age 35. Gum disease is caused by
plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on the
teeth. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become
red, tender and swollen. If not removed, plaque eventually
hardens to form calculus (tartar) around the necks of
the teeth.
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What are the signs of gum disease?
» Most people don’t have pain with periodontal
disease.
» Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your
teeth
» Red, swollen or tender gums
» Persistent bad breath or a chronic bad taste
in your mouth
» Gums that have receded or pulled away from your
teeth
» Pus between the teeth and gums
» Teeth that seem loose or that change position
» A change in your bite or the way your teeth
fit together
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What causes gum disease?
Common gum disease is caused by the accumulation of
bacteria on your teeth in a thin, almost invisible layer
of dental plaque.
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What factors might increase your risk and contribute
to gum disease?
Several factors have been shown to increase your risk
for gum disease. Are you at
risk?
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How is gum disease diagnosed?
The only good way to diagnose periodontal disease is
through a proper examination by a dental professional.
A small measuring instrument is used to check around
your teeth and gums.
A periodontal examination should be part of every complete
dental examination. X-rays may be taken to evaluate
the bone supporting the teeth.
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How is gum disease treated?
Successful treatment must accomplish three goals:
1. Stop the progression of the gum disease and infection
and the associated gum and bone breakdown.
2. Eliminate the infection and restore health
3. Prevent the disease and infection from returning
This typically involves several treatment steps:
a. A non-surgical, "deep cleaning" procedure
b. Gum surgery – if necessary
c. A maintenance phase for the prevention of a reoccurrence
of gum disease
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How can gum disease be prevented?
A regular program of follow-up evaluations and maintenance
care to prevent the infection from re-occurring.
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