Gum disease describes swelling or inflammation of the tissues supporting the teeth. There are two main types of gum disease, namely gingivitis and periodontal disease (periodontitis).

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums very red and swollen and tend to bleed on brushing.

What is periodontal disease?

Prolonged gingivitis can turn into chronic periodontal disease. As the condition progresses the support structure of the teeth is undermined and the teeth eventually become mobile and are lost.

What causes Gingivitis?

Uncontrolled collection of plaque, a white bacterial deposit which forms naturally on the teeth everyday, is the main cause for gingivitis. If this is allowed to progress unchecked, then periodontal disease can follow, with damage to the attachment apparatus of your teeth. The conversion from gingivitis to chronic periodontitis is usually slow and painless, which is why patients, often, don't realize that they have a gum problem until the latter stages when the teeth start to exhibit mobility. By this time the damage to the support structure is extensive and treatment very difficult. This is why it is important to have regular check ups so that the condition can be detected and treated at an early stage. This has a much better prognosis.

What is calculus (tartar)?

Poor brushing results allow the formation of mature plaque, which then calcifies to form a hard deposit called calculus. Calculus has a rough surface and once formed, it attracts more plaque and the cycle progresses. Calculus, being hard, can only be effectively removed by your dentist/hygienist with special dental instruments. This is why it is important to have your teeth scaled (process by which calculus is removed), regularly.

How will smoking affect my gums and teeth?

Smoking can also exacerbate gum disease. Smoking creates an environment in the mouth whereby the host's natural resistance to infection is suppressed and the natural bacteria in plaque can create more damage. Blood flow to the gums (vascularity) in smokers is often reduced, which means that resistance to infection is reduced. This is why in smokers the gums may not bleed, even though the patient has periodontal disease.

What happens if periodontal disease is not treated?

In most cases the condition progresses slowly and eventually as a result of the extensive damage to the support structure, the teeth become mobile and are lost. The condition progresses at different rates around the various teeth, which is why not all the teeth may be similarly affected at any one given time. Even around a particular tooth, the condition may progress at a different rate around its different roots. The condition can sometimes spread rapidly in certain individuals.

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Bleeding of the gums on brushing is usually an indication of gum inflammation. There may be associated bad breath and bad taste in the mouth. Some patients may experience small areas of acute inflammation around the gums (periodontal abscesses).

What shall I do if I think I have gum disease?

The first thing to do is to visit your dentist for a thorough check up of your teeth and gums. The dentist will then carry out a periodontal analysis. X-rays may also be needed to determine bone levels present around the teeth. Based upon this information, appropriate treatment can be provided.

What treatments are needed?

Your dentist will give your teeth a thorough clean. You will also be shown how to clean your teeth effectively. This may take a number of sessions. In some cases, additional, localized application of antibiotics may be required to treat the gums. The state of your periodontal condition will be recorded and monitored.

Once I have had periodontal disease, can I get it again?

On stabilization of the periodontal disease, it is very important to have regular maintenance of your gum health. If oral hygiene levels drop then the condition can start up once again and all the hard work of getting the condition under control would be undermined. Regular check ups at the dentist are extremely important for the well being of your teeth.