The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease attacks the gums and the bone that support the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone. Periodontal disease is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don’t know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.Not only is it the number one reason for tooth loss, research suggests that there may be a link between periodontal disease and other diseases such as stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Researchers are determining if inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease affect these systemic diseases and conditions. Smoking also increases the risk of periodontal disease.
Good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Bleeding gums – Gums should never bleed, even when you brush vigorously or use dental floss.
- Loose teeth – Also caused by bone loss or weakened periodontal fibers (fibers that support the tooth to the bone).
- New spacing between teeth – Caused by bone loss.
- Persistent bad breath – Caused by bacteria in the mouth.
- Pus around the teeth and gums – Sign that there is an infection present.
- Receding gums – Loss of gum around a tooth.
- Red and puffy gums – Gums should never be red or swollen.
- Tenderness or Discomfort – Plaque, calculus, and bacteria irritate the gums and teeth
As you can see, good oral health is about more than brushing your teeth. The gums that surround and support your teeth play a vital role, and the Sac Dentist team is pleased to answer seven questions that patients commonly ask us related to gum health and fighting gum/periodontal disease.
What do healthy gums look like?
Healthy gums are generally pinkish-red, not too red or dusky-colored. They should also be snug and firm against the teeth. If gums look puffier than usual, that’s likely inflammation. As the disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth or recede, resulting in a noticeably more “toothy” smile. Be sure to notice what the gums feel like, too.
What do damaged gums feel like?
Gums that are inflamed or infected due to gingivitis or periodontitis may bleed. You may notice red or “pink in the sink” on your toothbrush or floss. Your gums may be tender or painful when you touch them or when an object like the bristles from a brush or floss thread comes in contact with them. Trying to clean your teeth can become a very unpleasant experience.
What is gingivitis?
Periodontal or gum disease is progressive. Its effects can be reversed when treated in its earliest stage or “gingivitis.” This stage of disease is characterized by inflammation. The earlier we can detect and treat this condition, the more minimal the interventions required to restore the gum tissue’s health, function, and appearance. Therapies to treat gingivitis are largely non-invasive to minimally invasive and include modifications to oral hygiene, a “prophy” or professional dental cleaning, antibiotics, and scaling or root planing (“deep cleaning”).
And what is periodontitis?
When gingivitis goes untreated, it can progress to “periodontitis.” This later form of gum disease is largely characterized by infection and a breakdown of the soft tissues and, eventually, the hard tissues that support the teeth. When bone is lost, it is lost for good. Treatments at this stage are largely more aggressive. Depending on the severity of the disease, we may recommend SRP/deep cleaning or periodontal surgery to reduce the spaces or pockets that form between the teeth and gums due to gum disease. Therapies may also help to heal the gums and regenerative lost tissues.
Does gum disease always have symptoms?
No. Gum disease and other conditions that affect the mouth are notorious for being “silent’ or symptom-free early on. It’s possible to think that your gums are healthy when, in reality, there is an underlying disease that requires treatment.
How do you detect gum disease?
Sac Dentist generally encourages patients to visit us at least once every six months for checkups to prevent the disease from going undetected and progressing. We use special instruments to measure the periodontal pockets between the teeth and gums during these visits. This aids in assessing the health of your gums in different areas of your mouth and supports “staging” or determining the extent of damage to the gums. Our hygienists will also use their special skills and tools to remove the sources of disease, including stubborn plaque build-up or tartar.
Am I at risk?
You may be unsure if your brushing and flossing are inconsistent or thorough. During regular checkups, we can advise on good cleaning techniques and helpful oral care products. Other risk factors include smoking and the use of tobacco or nicotine products and your overall health, as individuals with conditions like diabetes are more susceptible to oral infections.
