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Gum Disease

Gum Disease Also Known As Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease

What is it?

Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is a form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease creates inflammation as well as infection which can destroy the tissues that support the teeth, including the gums, the periodontal ligaments, and the tooth sockets.

Gingivitis is a condition caused by the long-term effects of plaque on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky material made of bacteria, mucus, and food debris that develops on the exposed parts of the teeth. It is biggest cause of tooth decay and gum disease When you do not remove plaque from your teeth, it turns into a hard deposit called tartar(calculus) that becomes trapped at the base of the tooth. Plaque and tartar irritate and inflame your gum tissue. Bacteria and the toxins they produce cause the gums to become infected, swollen, and tender. Studies show gum disease can have widespread effect to your overall health as well.

Injury to the gums from any cause, including overly vigorous brushing or flossing of the teeth, can cause gingivitis(inflammation) as well.

Common Causes of Gum Disease:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Pregnancy (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums)
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Crooked teeth and rough edges of fillings
• Poor Fitting or unclean mouth appliances (such as braces, dentures, bridges, and crowns)
• Medications such birth control pills

Symptoms

• Bleeding gums (blood on toothbrush even with gentle brushing of the teeth)
• Bright red or red-purple appearance to gums
• Gums that are tender when touched, but otherwise painless
• Mouth sores
• Swollen gums
• Shiny appearance to gums
• Bad breath or halitosis
• Sulfur like odor and taste

If you have any of these symptoms, please call us so we can examine your mouth and teeth for gum disease With a general dental exam, Smile Design Studio dentists, Dr.'s Wright, Willis and Wright can look for soft, swollen, red-purple gums and causes of bad breath Sometimes deposits of plaque and tartar can be seen at the base of the teeth.

With the dental x-rays and dental bone measurements, we can also determine whether the inflammation has spread to the supporting structures of the teeth.

Treatment

Our goal is to reduce inflammation and bacteria on your teeth. We can insure that your teeth are cleaned thoroughly by our dental team. Careful oral hygiene is necessary after professional tooth cleaning. Our entire team can show you how to take good care of your teeth. Professional tooth cleaning in addition to brushing and flossing may be recommended twice per year or more frequently for severe cases. Antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids may be recommended in addition to frequent, careful, tooth brushing and flossing.