Gum Disease

Signs & Symptoms of Gum Disease

It is important to keep in mind that gum disease can progress without any noticeable symptoms. Regular dental check-ups will reveal any indication of irregularities in the teeth and gums, which will prevent the progression of gum disease. Some of the most common symptoms of periodontitis (gum disease) are as follows:

• Redness or swelling may indicate a periodontal infection. If the gums are enlarged, red, or painful to the touch for no apparent reason, the gums are likely infected and must be treated before it is carried into the bloodstream or other parts of the body. Keeping the infection from progressing will protect the gum tissue and jawbone from further damage.
• Unexplained bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating is a common symptom of gum disease. Because the toxins in plaque easily cause bacterial infection, the tissue becomes prone to easy bleeding.
• Gum recession or “longer-looking teeth” happens when the toxins produced by bacteria cause the supporting tissue and bone to deteriorate and recede. This causes the teeth to appear longer.
• Loose teeth are a symptom of gum disease that is further along in progression. Teeth can be loosened or shifted as the tissue becomes destroyed.
• Pus that oozes between the teeth is a certain symptom of gum disease. Pus indicates the body’s attempt to fight off infection.
• Bad breath may indicate that the pockets deep within the gums are housing more debris and bacteria, causing a foul odor and making the gum tissue more prone to infection.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, please contact us to set up an appointment.

Diagnosis

When we discover problems within the gum tissues, a periodontal (gum) examination will be performed. During this exam, a small dental instrument will gently measure the space between the teeth and gums. If the gums are healthy, this space between the teeth and gums measures three millimeters or less and no bleeding will occur. As gum disease progresses, this space or pocket between the teeth will likely get deeper.

To properly diagnose the type and severity of gum disease in each individual patient, Dr. Sackheim will use the following:

• Depth of space (pocket) between teeth and gums
• Amount of bleeding
• Gum inflammation
• Mobility of teeth
• Other signs of gum pathology

After the examination, Dr. Sackheim will assess whether you have the following:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal disease. In this early onset of gum disease, plaque and the toxins found in plaque make the gums irritable and tender, causing them to become inflamed and to bleed easily.

Periodontitis

Gum disease has set in once the plaque hardens into tartar. Calculus (tartar) and plaque accumulate, causing the gums to recede from the teeth and making the teeth appear longer. Pockets between the gums and teeth begin to deepen, and bacteria begins to store in the pockets that cannot be removed by brushing alone. The gums begin to become irritated and swollen, causing bleeding. Bone loss may occur in conjunction with these symptoms.

Advanced Periodontitis

As the gums, bone, and tissue deteriorate, the teeth lose support and may be lost. Moderate to severe bone loss may also occur.

Causes of Gum Disease

There are a variety of factors that are involved in the onset of periodontal disease, including genetic and environmental factors. Usually, the risk of developing gum disease can be lowered with the practice of preventative measures. Common Causes of Gum Disease:

• Poor dental hygiene significantly increases the risk for gum disease. Having a good oral hygiene routine and a well-balanced diet helps to prevent dental disease. Regular dental visits that include exams and cleanings plus excellent home care ensures the preservation of the supporting bone and tissue. When bacteria and tartar remain on and between the teeth for too long, the teeth become affected, causing the beginning stages of gum disease, eventually leading to tooth loss if left untreated.
• Tobacco use is one of the most significant risk factors for the development and progression of periodontitis. Those who use tobacco are also more likely to suffer from a slow recovery rate and are more likely to suffer from symptoms of periodontal disease including tartar build-up, gum recession, and bone loss.
• Genetic predisposition can make you more susceptible to gum disease despite rigorous oral hygiene routines at home. Individuals with a strong genetic predisposition may be six times more like to develop gum disease. Fortunately, genetic tests can detect susceptibility, and intervention early on can prevent the disease from harming the oral cavity.
• Pregnancy and Menopause - Hormone changes can cause gum tissue to increase in sensitivity, making them more susceptible to gum disease. If pregnant, it is critical to regularly brush and floss.
• Underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, arthritis, heart diseases, and osteoporosis can intensify existing gum disease as well as accelerate the progression of the disease.
• Medications can affect the conditions of the teeth and gums. Oral contraceptive pills, heart medicines, steroids, and anti-depressants can make the gums more susceptible to disease.
• Grinding the teeth can damage the supporting tissue around the teeth. Grinding often occurs when the teeth are misaligned. If gum disease is already present, an individual will suffer greater destruction of the gum tissue when grinding accelerates the disease.
• Poor diet or malnutrition can lower the body’s overall immunity to fight infection, making gum disease more likely to occur.
• Chronic stress can also lower the body’s immune system, making it difficult to fight off disease.

Treatment of Gum (Periodontal) Disease

Depending on the severity of the disease’s progression, surgical treatment may be necessary. However, if caught early on, the patient will usually undergo nonsurgical treatment. A complete exam of the mouth and gums will be conducted prior to determining a treatment plan.

Common Treatment for Gum Disease:

• Scaling and root planing may be done to preserve the health of the gum and tissue. In this process, tartar is removed to keep the infection from spreading. Gum pockets are cleaned, and antibiotics are prescribed to help alleviate infection. Prescription mouthwash is sometimes recommended as a part of the daily cleaning routine.
• Tissue regeneration may help encourage regrowth. A membrane is inserted into the affected area to facilitate regeneration. This is a grafting procedure that helps revitalize the health of the bone and gum tissues.
• Pocket elimination surgery (flap surgery) reduces the pocket size between teeth and gums. Jawbone surgery is another option that may eliminate deep indentations in the bone where bacteria thrives.
• Dental implants are necessary when tooth loss has occurred. Implants restore functionality and appearance of the mouth. Prosthetic teeth are implanted into the jawbone, and along with tissue regeneration, the bone is strengthened. Ask us if you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, periodontal treatment, or dental implants.

Maintenance

Without good hygiene practices, plaque will quickly turn into calculus (tartar). Personal care prevents plaque and tartar build-up. With the help of regular dental cleanings, gum disease will usually remain undeveloped.

After you have undergone treatment for your particular case of periodontitis, Dr. Sackheim and your dental hygienist will recommend regular maintenance cleanings that are typically 3-4 times a year. During each of these cleaning appointments, Dr. Sackheim will carefully examine the pocket depths (space between the teeth and gums) to make sure everything is healthy. Plaque and tartar above and the gum line will be removed during these visits.

A periodontal visit will also include:

• Diagnostic X-ray examination to screen for signs of decay, cysts, tumors, and bone loss as well as root and tooth positions
• Exam of existing dental work such as fillings, crowns, etc
• Exam to determine severity and location of tooth decay on all tooth surfaces
• Oral cancer screening: Check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat, cheek tissues, and gums for any signs of oral cancer.
• Oral cancer screening for any signs of oral cancer
• Oral hygiene recommendations may include special aids such as electric toothbrushes, fluorides, etc
• Teeth polishing removes stains and plaque that is not otherwise removed during brushing and scaling

Good oral hygiene practices at home combined with periodontal cleanings are imperative for the proper maintenance of your dental health and keeping gum disease under control!