What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, formally called periodontal disease, is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States. In fact, nearly 50% of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. If you recently noticed that your gums are more tender than usual and are slightly red and inflamed, you may have early-stage gum disease. Below is more information on what gum disease is and how your dental provider may identify and treat it.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums and tissues that support the teeth. The most common cause of gum disease is the buildup of dental plaque, a sticky substance containing bacteria, along the gum line. Poor, inconsistent, and infrequent oral hygiene practices allow plaque to build up, and eventually, the bacteria in the plaque will infect the gum tissue. Some individuals may be at greater risk of gum disease because of their genes and the way their immune system responds to bacteria. Gum disease can be dangerous because it slowly develops over time and, in the earliest stages, may not have any signs or symptoms. The earliest signs of gum disease often include irritated, sensitive, and inflamed gums. As the disease progresses, the gums may start to pull away from the bottom of the teeth, showing more of the tooth root. Eventually, the teeth may become loose, and pus may develop along the gum line.
How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?
If you have recently noticed that your gums are tender or swollen and bleed when you brush or floss, you may have developed gum disease. What is important to keep in mind is that early detection is key. The best way to determine if you have gum disease is to schedule a checkup with your dental provider as soon as possible. During a routine dental exam, your provider will look for excessive plaque buildup on your teeth and examine the health of your gums. Your provider may measure the space that is forming between the teeth and the gums, called pockets, using a periodontal probe. The deeper the pockets, the more severe the gum disease. Additionally, your provider may take dental X-rays to look for possible bone loss. Providers may also look at older X-rays they have on file to see if your bones and teeth have changed over time.
If your provider is not certain how advanced your gum disease is, they may refer you to a periodontist or a gum specialist for further evaluation or for specific treatments.
What Do I Do if I Have Gum Disease?
The good news is that gum disease isn’t life-threatening, and in the best cases, can be reversed. Unfortunately, if left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and the development of chronic health conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. If you have recently been told you have gum disease, the best next step is to pursue treatment as soon as possible. In many cases, gum disease can be managed with thorough professional dental cleanings and improved daily oral hygiene.