Gum Disease

Early stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis:

Bacteria in plaque and calculus can damage the gums and cause inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can usually be treated successfully by removal of the plaque and calculus, followed by thorough but gentle cleaning (flossing and brushing twice a day every day)

Advanced stage of gum disease: is called periodontitis or periodontal disease It can cause serious damage to teeth and the gums, and bone that supports the teeth.

As gum inflammation and infection get worse, pockets form between gum and
teeth, gum may recede from and teeth can become loose, fall out or require extraction by a dentist.

Periodontitis can result in the loss of many teeth in some people.
Benefits of treatment: The purpose of periodontal treatment is to stop or slow down the progression of gum disease.

Signs of periodontal disease

• Red, swollen, tender, painful or bleeding gums
• Gums that have shrunk from the teeth • *Persistent bad breath
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Abscesses between teeth and gums
• The fit of a denture has changed
• Loose teeth, drifting apart of teeth, and gaps appearing between teeth.

Treatment:

Root planing: Deposits of plaque and calculus on tooth roots and in deeper pockets beneath the gum line are removed using instruments that leave the root surface clean and smooth. A local anaesthetic may be needed to numb the teeth and gums being treated.