What Is Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue that supports your teeth.
Your gum tissue is not attached to your teeth as high as it may seem- there is a very shallow v-shape crevice or space called a sulcus between the tooth and gums.
Periodontal disease attacks just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissue to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket. Generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.
Understanding Gum Disease:
Gum disease begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If not removed through proper oral hygiene, plaque can harden into tartar and lead to inflammation of the gums, a condition known as gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress into more advanced stages of gum disease, causing damage to the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth.
What causes periodontal diseases?
The sticky film that constantly forms on your teeth is called plaque, and is made mostly of bacteria. Some of these bacteria.produce byproducts (called toxins or enzymes) that can irritate the tissues that support your teeth. These byproducts can damage the attachment of the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone of your teeth.
You can remove plaque with good oral hygiene – brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between them once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner. When plaque is not removed through good oral hygiene, it builds up along the gum line and increases your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Plaque that is not removed regularly can harden into a rough porous deposit called calculus or tartar. Tartar only can be removed when your teeth are professionally cleaned in the dental office.
Do some factors increase the risk of periodontal diseases?
Yes, some factors can increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases. If one or more of the following apply to you, it is especially important that you follow your dentist’s advice to maintain healthy teeth.
- People who smoke or chew tobacco are more likely to have periodontal disease. It is also more likely to be more severe than those who do not use any tobacco products.
- Some systematic diseases, such as diabetes, can lower your body’s resistance to infection, making periodontal diseases more severe.
- Many medications, such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives can affect the gums. In addition, medications that reduce your salivary flow (such as Asthma medication) can result in chronically dry mouth, which can irritate your oral soft tissues. Let your dentist know about your medications and update your medical history files at the dental office when any changes occur.
- Bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked teeth or fillings that have become defective can contribute to plaque retention and increase your risk of developing periodontal disease.
- Pregnancy or use or oral contraceptives increases hormone levels that can cause gum tissue to be more sensitive to the toxins and enzymes produced by plaque and can accelerate growth of some bacteria. The gums are more likely to become red, tender and swollen, and bleed easily.
Type Of Periodontal Diseases
Periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages of the disease are gingivitis and periodontitis.
How would I know if I had periodontal disease?
It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning sign. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examination are very important.
However, several warning sign can signal that you have a problem with periodontal disease. If you notice any of the following, see your dentist:
- Gums that bleed easily:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums;
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth;
- Pus between the teeth when the gums are pressed;
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste;
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating;
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite;
- Any change in the fit of partial denture.
Gingivitis
Periodontitis
Gingivitis may lead to more serious, destructive form of periodontal disease, called periodontitis. There are several forms of periodontitis, with the most common being chronic adult periodontitis.
Periodontitis occurs when toxins, enzymes, and other plaque byproducts destroy the tissue that anchor teeth into the bone. The gum line recedes, which can expose the tooth’s root. Exposed roots can become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.
As we mentioned earlier, the sulcus deepens into a pocket in the early stages of periodontal disease. Plaque that collects in these pockets can be difficult to remove during regular brushing and interdental cleaning. Byproducts from the plaque that collect in these pockets can continue to damage the gum, periodontal ligament and bone. In some cases, so much ligament and bone are destroyed that the tooth becomes loose. Usually, your dentist can still treat the disease at this point. In the worst of cases, a loose tooth may need to be extracted or may fall out on its own.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Bleeding Gums: One of the earliest signs of gum disease is gums that bleed during brushing or flossing.
- Swollen or Red Gums: Inflammation and redness of the gums are indicators of gum disease.
- Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath that doesn’t improve with oral hygiene could be a sign of gum disease.
- Receding Gums: As gum disease advances, gums may start to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth’s surface.
- Loose or Shifting Teeth: Gum disease can weaken the bone supporting the teeth, leading to tooth mobility.
- Pain or Discomfort: Advanced gum disease can cause discomfort, pain, or sensitivity in the affected areas.
How can I prevent periodontal disease?
Daily good oral hygiene can help reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Brushing your teeth twice a day. With proper brushing, you can remove plaque from the inner, outer and chewing surfaces of each tooth. Your dentist or dental hygienist can show you a proper brushing technique.
Using a fluoride-containing toothpaste also help protect your teeth against cavities.
Carefully clean between your teeth once a day with dental floss or another interdental cleaner to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. It only takes a few minutes each day and it’s just as important in maintaining oral health as brushing your teeth.
If you need extra help controlling gingivitis and plaque that forms above the gum line, your dentist may recommend using an ADA- accepted antimicrobial mouthrinse or other oral hygiene aids as an effective addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.
When choosing dental care products, look for those that display the Australian Dental association’s seal of acceptance- your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.
- Eat a balanced diet for good general health.
- Visit your dentist regularly
Prevention and Treatment:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly helps remove plaque and prevent gum disease.
- Professional Cleanings: Regular dental cleanings remove tartar buildup that cannot be removed at home.
- Scaling and Root Planing: A deep cleaning procedure to remove tartar from below the gumline.
- Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacteria and inflammation.
- Surgical Procedures: Advanced cases might require surgical treatments to restore gum health and prevent further damage.
Maintaining Optimal Gum Health:
Prevention is key to avoiding gum disease. Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and maintaining regular dental check-ups are essential. If you notice any signs of gum disease, seeking prompt dental care can prevent the condition from worsening.
How is Periodontal Diseases Treated?
Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.
The first step usually is a thorough cleaning that includes scaling to remove plaque and tartar deposits. The tooth roots also may be planed to smooth the root surface, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. In some cases, the occlusion, or bite, may require adjustment.
Your dentist also may recommend medications to help control infection, pain, or to encourage healing. These medications can be given in various forms: a pill that you would swallow, a liquid mouthrinse, or in a form that the dentist could place directly in the periodontal pocket after scaling and root planning.
Is surgery sometimes needed?
When deep pockets between teeth and gums (4 to 6 millimeters or deeper) are present, it is difficult for the dentist to thoroughly remove the plaque and tartar. Likewise, you may have trouble keeping these pockets clean and free of plaque.
Contact Us
For enquiries related to gum disease and how to take the next step to treating this issue, call us on (03) 9311 1056 or Book an appointment online. Gum disease is a serious condition that can have long-term consequences on your oral health. Remember that good oral hygiene practices, coupled with professional dental care, can help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy gums and a confident smile.
Gum Disease FAQS
The cost of gum disease treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition, the specific treatment needed. It’s best to consult with a dentist or periodontist for a personalised assessment and cost estimate based on your individual situation. Keep in mind that addressing gum disease early can help prevent more extensive and costly treatments down the line.
Yes, a dentist can treat and manage gum disease. In the early stages, mild gum disease (gingivitis) can often be managed and reversed through professional cleanings, improved oral hygiene practices, and lifestyle changes. However, more advanced cases of gum disease (periodontitis) may require specialised treatment, They can perform procedures such as scaling and root planing, gum surgery, and other interventions to address gum disease and restore oral health. It’s important to address gum disease promptly to prevent further complications.
Gum treatment can seem expensive due to specialised training, complex procedures, multiple visits, customised care, advanced materials, and the need to prevent further complications. Investing in treatment helps avoid costlier issues later and promotes long-term oral health.
