Gum Disease is a bacterial infection of the tissue around the teeth.  It includes both gingivitis, which is reversible inflammation of gums without bone loss, and periodontal disease, in which the bone holding the teeth starts to resorb. It is the #1 cause of tooth loss, and is very common with 42% of adults over the age of 30 having periodontal disease in the United States. In addition to causing tooth loss, the bacteria in periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation and health problems in the rest of the body.  This has been linked especially to diabetes and coronary artery (heart) disease.

 

Periodontal Disease is often silent, and many patients don’t know they have a problem until it is severe. Some of the signs of periodontal disease are bleeding, red or puffy gums, bad breath, loose teeth or teeth that are shifting/bite changes, and recession, meaning the gums pull away from the teeth exposing the root and making teeth look longer. 

 

We check every adult patient for periodontal disease and do a complete periodontal charting, to determine if you have gum disease and to monitor for changes over time.  If you do have active gum disease, there are treatment options aimed at removing the bacteria that cause gum disease and maintaining oral hygiene over time to keep more damage from occurring.  Most cases can be treated without surgery.  As with many things, prevention, early detection and maintenance can prevent major problems down the road.