According to the American Dental Association (ADA) – nearly half of the U.S. population over the age of 30 is suffering from periodontal disease. Gum disease is the inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. Generally caused by bacterial plaque, it is the most common cause of adult tooth loss.

How Gum Disease Develops
Plaque, a thin, colorless film, is caused by bacteria in your mouth and it develops on your teeth. Left untreated, bacterial plaque will harden to tartar. A rough, porous mineral buildup usually yellow or brown in color, tartar forms at and underneath the gum line. Tartar excretes the toxins that cause gum inflammation, resulting in the development of periodontal pockets that hold even more toxins and bacteria. This condition can lead to the loosening and eventual loss of teeth.

What to Look For
Stopping the progression of gum disease before it escalates can save patients time, discomfort and expense. Signs of gum disease can include:

• Red, inflamed gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• Presence of pus between the gum and tooth
• Chronic halitosis

A Bigger Problem
Gum disease can also cause other health problems. Research has linked gum disease to heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and complications with diabetes. The symptoms are initially mild — many people don’t realize they have gum disease — which can allow the condition to worsen. You may have an increased risk for gum disease if you smoke, have diabetes, take certain medications, endure excessive stress, or don’t eat properly.

Treating Gum Disease
Periodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on gum disease treatment. If caught in the early stages, your dentist can reverse gum disease. To begin, the dentist will scale the teeth to remove plaque and calculus, and plane the roots to smooth them. The doctor may also prescribe antibiotics to clear up any infection or inflammation. Advanced cases may require your dentist to surgically trim the gums, disinfect the tissue, remove the hardened plaque build-up and re-contour the damaged bone.

FAQs

My gums bleed when I brush. Should I be worried?
If you had bleeding on your arm or leg, you would check it out. Because bleeding gums can indicate a more serious problem like gum disease, you should make an appointment with your dentist.

Is gum disease hereditary?
Although there is a genetic component to gum disease, other factors, like lifestyle choices, age, and oral health habits, can also influence whether you develop this condition. Talk with your dentist to find out if you have other risk factors for gum disease.

What can I do to prevent gum disease?
The best prevention is taking proper care of your teeth and gums. Good brushing habits, regular flossing and routine dental visits will help prevent periodontal disease.