Periodontal disease (gum disease) is more common than you might think. Because it is not usually detected until it has reached advanced stages, many people may have this disease without even knowing it. It is estimated that more than half of adults over the age of 30 have the disease in some form.
Periodontal disease is serious. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. New research is exploring possible links between gum disease and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other serious ailments.
The good news is that gum disease is preventable and treatable. If caught early, it can be reversed. Regular dental checkups are critical to the prevention and detection of periodontal disease.
Gum disease occurs in the pockets where teeth and gums meet. If bacteria accumulate there they will start to destroy the gums and jaw bone.
Bacteria emerge from the plaque and tartar that build on our teeth. If plaque and tartar are not regularly removed, the bacteria increase and so does the risk of gum disease.
Although it is painless in its early stages, a dental professional can detect early signs of gum disease at regular cleaning appointments. In its late stages gum disease is characterized by red, swollen gums, bleeding during flossing or brushing, loose teeth and persistent bad breath.
It's important to ensure the health of your gums.
Before we talk about treatment, we like to talk about prevention.
Regular checkups are the best way to prevent gum disease. At a regular cleaning your dentist and hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease. They will also examine the gums for any signs of disease.
If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease, there are a number of surgical and non-surgical treatments available, depending on the severity of the disease.