Periodontal (gum) disease is defined as a bacterial infection of the gums,
bones, and ligaments that support the teeth and hold them in the jaw. When gum
disease progresses to later stages, the supporting structures of the teeth are
destroyed, and tooth loss can result.
Plaque, which begins forming on teeth within as little as four hours after
brushing, is the primary factor in gum disease. Plaque contains bacteria that
attack gums and release toxins that inflame the soft tissues of the mouth.
Plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing hardens into tartar
(calculus), a crusty deposit that can only be removed by a dentist.
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Gum disease can be asymptomatic and painless. However, many patients experience
symptoms that include:
* Bleeding, tender, swollen, or red gums
* Abscesses (pus oozing from the gums)
* Loose teeth
* Pain
* Foul odor / halitosis
If you experience any of these symptoms, please visit us for an exam. If
early-stage gum disease is detected, simple treatment can prevent the condition
from progressing.
How is gum disease treated?
Depending on the stage of the disease, gum disease treatment can take various
forms. At our practice serving the Long Island and Manhattan areas, we treat
early-stage gum disease by educating the patient on proper oral hygiene and
plaque removal. Our dentist may also perform scaling and root planing, a
technique for cleaning the tooth structure and removing plaque and tartar from
the gum pockets. This technique controls the infection and arrests gum
recession.
In its more severe stages, periodontal disease causes large gum pockets and some
bone destruction. Therefore, this stage of gum disease treatment may involve one
or more of the following:
* Surgery to seal the gum tightly around the tooth
* Bone grafting to restore deteriorated bone tissue
* Gum grafts to treat gum recession, as well as soft tissue recontouring to
improve the appearance of gums
* Use of night guards to prevent tooth grinding
* Orthodontics
* Medications
What is gum disease?