Treating Gum Disease

More than 75% of Americans over the age of 35 are affected by gum disease.

A gum disease is an infection in the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease causes red and swollen gums and may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.

The good news is that gum disease is reversible when proper plaque control and good dental hygiene is applied. This begins by brushing and flossing daily.

There are two main types of gum disease:

• Gingivitis: This is the most common and least severe type of gum disease. It affects only the gums, or soft tissue, around the teeth.

• Periodontitis: This is less common than gingivitis, but it is also more severe, affecting not only the soft tissue around the teeth but also the tissue and bones that support the teeth. If left untreated, teeth may loosen in their sockets or fall out entirely.

Gum disease is caused by a wide variety of things, such as poor dental hygiene, severe illnesses such as leukemia or HIV, bad habits like smoking or chewing tobacco, a family history or dental disease, or even hormonal changes.

Antibacterial mouth rinses can also help reduce plaque build-up that may be affecting your gums. Twice a year visits to your dentist are also important. Dentists provide professional cleanings that will remove all plaque and tartar from your teeth.

If the gum disease is more severe, your dentist may recommend other treatments, such as scaling and root planing, which is essentially a deep clean of your teeth and gum line.

If the tissue around your teeth is too unhealthy for this treatment to work, surgical procedures like pocket reduction surgery, bone or soft tissue grafts, or bone surgery may be required.