Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis

Gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontal disease) is inflammation and infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because it is usually painless many people are not aware that they have gum disease.

Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque and calculus that forms on the teeth. Bacteria and associated inflammation damages the gums and results in loss of bone and supporting tissue of the teeth.

Common signs of gum disease include:

• bleeding and swollen gums
• changes in the colour of the gums
• bad breath

Your dentist will be able to diagnose gum disease through gentle probing of gum pockets and from x-rays, so regular check-ups are very important!

Treatment

To effectively treat periodontal disease, your dentist will remove plaque and calculus from the teeth and roots using hand scalers and an ultrasonic scaler. These scalers help to break down and scrape off the hard build-up of calculus that your normal brushing cannot.

By thoroughly cleaning the teeth above and below the gums, the source of infection is removed. Regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist will keep any chance of re-infection at bay.

Depending on the severity of the periodontal disease, your dentist may suggest various techniques you can use to help treat and control it.