What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Preventing gum disease is achieved by maintaining good dental hygiene. Our vast experience and dedicated Dental Therapists help our patients achieve high levels of oral hygiene here at Park Place Dental. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning. This is a reversible condition treated by better oral hygiene.
What is periodontal disease?
Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out. This damage to the supporting bone is irreversible. Therefore early diagnosis and treatment is essential in the prevention of long term gum problems.
If you are concerned then contact us for a thorough oral health assessment of your teeth and gums. We can measure the ‘cuff’ of gum around each tooth to see if there is any sign that periodontal disease has started. X-rays may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment can be prescribed for you by our experienced hygienists. Please read our information leaflet on periodontal disease and how we can assess and treat any periodontal disease you may have – Periodontal-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-Advice-Leaflet.
Also there is growing evidence linking the presence of Periodontal Disease with systemic health and the development of inflammatory diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and arthritis, and diabetes. For further information on this subject please read our leaflet – Gum-disease-and-systemic-health.
