Gum Disease

What is periodontal disease (gum disease)?

Gum disease is the swelling or soreness of the gums (the soft tissue) around your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth. The plaque bacteria have toxins that inflame the gums. If you do not remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, it can build up and infect your gums, teeth and the bone that supports them. If not treated by a dental professional, you can lose your teeth. The signs of gum disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. The earlier the gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. That’s why it is important to see your dentist regularly.

There are three stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis: This is the first stage of gum disease. Your gums may feel tender and you may see some bleeding when you brush or floss. The American Academy of Periodontology considers gingivitis a mild periodontal disease. Gingivitis can be reversed by having a dentist or hygienist clean your teeth and with proper brushing and flossing at home.

Periodontitis: At this stage, plaque spreads to your tooth roots causing an infection, which can damage the bone and fibers that hold the teeth in place. Your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth. Proper dental care and better home care can help stop more damage.

Advance Periodontal Disease: In this stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone holding your teeth in place are destroyed. This can cause your teeth to shift or loosen, and can affect your bite. If treatment can’t save your teeth, they may need to be removed.

At Family Smile Center, we have highly trained dentists and hygienists who can diagnose, educate, and treat periodontal disease to improve your overall general health. Did you know that you can add years to your life simply by adding flossing to your daily oral hygiene routine? By doing so, flossing helps keep your heart healthy.

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