Gingivitis - Periodontitis

Gum disease or Periodontal Disease is an infection of the gums/soft tissue and bones around a tooth.

There are two forms of Gum Disease;

1. Gingivitis only affects the gums/soft tissue around the tooth
2. Periodontitis is more acute and can reach under the gums and cause damage to the tissues and bone that support a tooth

Gum disease is caused by bacteria/germs contained in dental plaque that grows on the teeth and gums. The bacteria feed on sugars in the food and drink in your mouth and if not cleaned away they make toxins that can cause irritation in the gums and cause them to swell and bleed during brushing. Also, if dental plaque is left to build up into tartar, this will cause even more irritation to the gums and the gums will start to pull away from the tooth.

The factors that can lead to gum disease include:

• A Poor Oral Hygiene Routine – If you don’t clean your teeth properly and if you don’t get regular professional cleanings at a dental clinic
• Smoking – People who smoke are more likely to get gum disease and it can be more severe and difficult to treat and may lead to tooth loss
• Family History – Have a history of gum disease in the family
• Certain Illnesses – People with certain illnesses such as Diabetes, Leukemia are sometimes more prone to gum disease
• Poor Diet – if you eat a diet that is low in vitamins and minerals and high in sugars and carbohydrates

The symptoms of Gingivitis are:

• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding of the gums during brushing/flossing

The symptoms of Periodontitis include:

• Gums that have moved or shrinked away from the tooth leaving a gap/pocket
• Bad Breath
• Gums with an infection and pus
• An uncomfortable bite, teeth don’t fit comfortably together anymore
• A loose tooth

Prevention is the best cure, but if you have gum disease it is important to treat it early before it causes an infection, permanent damage to the gums or tooth loss.

For Gingivitis: Antibiotics and an antibacterial toothpaste, gel or mouthwash may be prescribed.
For Periodontitis: Root Planing and Scaling is required.

If these treatments fail to control the infection, or if acute damage has been caused to the gums or teeth, then procedures such as a Gingivectomy, Flap Procedure or Tooth Extraction may be necessary.