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Periodontal (gum) disease is an inflammation or infection of the gums and bone that supports the teeth.  It's caused by the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, nearly clear colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth).  While seldom painful and frequently free of any obvious signs or symptoms, periodontal disease can progress, undetected, to the point where supporting bone is destroyed.  With 80% to 90% of all teenagers having some form of gingivitis (inflamed gums) and 75% of adult tooth loss for people over the age of 35 due to periodontal disease, early treatment and prevention is essential.  While periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a number of other factors including badly aligned teeth and defective fillings contribute to the development of this condition.

Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Teeth that have shifted or loosened

Pus coming from between your teeth and gums

Red, puffy gums

Gum tenderness or pain

Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded

Gums that have separated from your teeth

Persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth

Stages of Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Healthy    Healthy gingiva (gum tissue and bone anchor the teeth firmly in place)     Clinical Description: Healthy pink gum color No bleeding Tissue is firm & resilient Periodontal pockets range from 2-4mm.        Gingivitis    Gingivitis develops as toxins in plaque irritate the gums, making them red, tender, swollen and likely to bleed easily.     Clinical Description: Red inflamed gums Bleeding when probed or brushed Puffy tissue Periodontal pockets range from 2-4mm.     Periodontitis Early to Moderate    Periodontitis occurs when toxins destroy the tissues that anchor the teeth in the bone.  Gums become detached from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more plaque.  Tooth roots are exposed to plaque and become susceptible to decay and sensitive to cold and touch.     Clinical Description: Gum attachment to tooth weakens More bleeding when probed Periodontal pockets of 3-6mm between teeth & gum    Periodontitis Advanced Advanced Periodontitis is present when the teeth lose more attachment because the supporting bone is destroyed.   Unless treated, the affected teeth frequently become loose and may fall out or require removal by a dentist.     Clinical Description: Severe bone loss Considerable bleeding when probed Bone has angular and jagged edges Periodontal pockets now more than 6mm deep          Periodontal Treatment        Dr. Bains will start by reviewing your dental and medical health history, and examine your gums, teeth, and mouth.  The doctor will determine how much tissue has been affected, and test the solidity of your teeth.  X-rays may be taken to evaluate the condition of the bone.   In the earliest stages of gum disease, treatment centers around removing plaque from pockets that have developed around the teeth and root planing -- smoothing the tissue around the root of the tooth and encouraging the gum to reattach.  If the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, surgical repair may be in order. Common types of periodontal treatment include: Scaling Atridox Root Planing Gum Graft Flap Surgery Laser Dentistry Use of Oral Hygiene Aids       After Treatment ...    Once your treatment is complete, Dr. Bains will work together with your general dentist to monitor your situation and avoid any recurrence of disease.  Most of the work at this point, however, is up to you.  You'll be responsible for brushing and flossing on a daily basis, and attending your maintenance visits at our office and with your general dentist.