Most people are familiar with gingivitis and understand that it is a mild form of gum disease. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more damaging forms of gum disease, including periodontitis and advanced periodontitis, which can cause permanent damage to gum tissue, the jawbone and can even cause tooth loss.
What are gum disease symptoms?
Patients suffering from gum disease may experience symptoms such as:
- Tender and/or puffy gum tissue
- Bleeding upon brushing or flossing
- Halitosis (chronic bad breath that does not go away with oral hygiene)
- Gum recession (when the gums pull away from the tooth surface)
- Loose teeth
- Change in bite or tooth alignment
- Ill-fitting dental restorations
Types of Gum Disease and Treatment
Gingivitis
The first stage of gum disease is usually mild, indicated by inflammation of the gum tissue, caused by a buildup of plaque. When plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar along the gumline, which cannot be brushed away but requires a professional cleaning to remove. When you visit your dentist for a professional cleaning, your hygienist will be able to remove any tartar, plaque, and bacteria to make sure everything is healthy. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis.
Periodontitis
The second stage of gum disease is where permanent damage starts. Gum tissue and bone structure begin to deteriorate, and you may notice loose or shifting teeth. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a bit more invasive than a regular cleaning and allows your hygienist to clean well below the gum line to clear tartar and bacteria buildup in your gum pockets. During a deep cleaning, your hygienist will administer a local anesthetic to one side of your mouth before they begin to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Untreated, periodontitis will progress further into advanced periodontitis.
Advanced periodontitis
At this stage, damage is irreversible and may require the specialized treatment of a periodontist or oral surgeon. Patients with advanced periodontitis may lose bone structure and teeth. In order to treat this extent of damage, you could require a bone graft, a gum graft, and a dental implant in each area that has been affected.
Regular visits to your dentist will ensure that gum disease is caught early, at which point it is much easier and less costly to treat. Good home care is crucial to keep your mouth healthy and ensure that you do not develop gum disease again. Be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss at least once a day. You may also benefit from adding an antibacterial or antimicrobial mouthwash to help kill any germs and bacteria that are left on your toothbrush and floss. If you need help with oral hygiene technique, speak with your dental hygienist; they want to make sure you have the skills and tools you need to keep your mouth healthy.