GUM disease or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about 70 per cent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four people at some point in their lives.

Periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque — a sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can build up until the bacteria infect not only gums and teeth, but the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can cause them to become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by a dentist.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

Signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, a change in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites, and a change in the fit of dentures.

While patients are advised to check for the warning signs, there might not be any discomfort until the disease has spread to a point where the teeth are unsalvageable. That’s why patients are advised to get frequent dental exams.

Stages of gum disease

There are three stages of gum disease:

1. Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease — an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque build-up at the gum line. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis.

You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can be improved, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected.

2. Periodontitis: At this stage, the supporting bone and fibres that hold your teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the gum line, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.

3. Advanced periodontitis: In this final stage of gum disease, the fibres and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can’t save them, teeth may need to be removed.

What does periodontal treatment involve?

In the early stages of gum disease, most treatment involves a special cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar around the teeth and smoothing the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing.

In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums — sometimes with the assistance of a laser — and removing the hardened plaque build-up and recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean.

Remember…

Healthy Gums: Healthy gums are firm and do not bleed. They fit snugly around the teeth.

Gingivitis: Gums are mildly inflamed, may appear red or swollen and may bleed during brushing.

Periodontitis: Gums begin to separate and recede from the teeth. This allows plaque to move toward the roots, supporting fibres and bone.

Advanced periodontitis: Supporting fibres and bone are destroyed. Teeth become loose and may need to be removed.

Dr Sharon Robinson DDS has offices at the Dental Place Cosmetix Spa located at Shop #5, Winchester Business Centre, 15 Hope Road, Kingston 10. Dr Robinson is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology, Jamaica, School of Oral Health Sciences. Dr Robinson may be contacted at 630-4710 or visit the website www.dentalplace4u.com