Chronic gingivitis is a common condition. It affects over 90% of the population of the United States. If treated, the prognosis for those who have gingivitis is good. Untreated, gingivitis can progress periodontal disease. Gingivitis is painless in the early stages, but may lead to bleeding gums and other oral problems. Bleeding gums are only one sign of gingivitis. Gums become red and swollen, teeth may become loose or may eventually fall out.

Gingivitis, when combined with receding gums, periodontal disease, and other conditions, can create serious health problems. Gingivitis almost always leads to bad breath, a serious social problem for many people , loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. If you have gingivitis, you need to take action to prevent gum disease or even worse. Studies show that gum disease has been linked to many other catastrophic illnesses including stoke and heart attacks. For more information, please look at our Your Health Section or Our Periodontal Blog.

Unless gingivitis is kept under control by tooth brushing,flossing and the use of antibacterial products, this condition will recur.

Treatment
Gingivitis can be treated by having your teeth professionally cleaned, followed by a strict oral hygiene regimen, including anti-bacterial rinses.

Left untreated, gingivitis can escalate into periodontitis. There are other factors that contribute to the disease, such as smoking, genetic tendencies, and diabetes. Periodontitis symptoms include those of gingivitis, a metallic taste in your mouth, receding gums, enlarged spaces between the gums and teeth, severe halitosis (bad breath), and even loose teeth (from loss of bone).

For more information on periodontics or to schedule an appointment please call one of offices today.

1. Bleeding gums are not that big of a deal.
Red, swollen and bleeding gums are an important sign of periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing, or when eating certain foods, you should schedule a visit with your dental professional to be evaluated for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that in addition to tooth loss, gum disease may contribute to the progression of other diseases, including heart disease and diabetes, so it is important that you begin treating periodontal disease as soon as possible.

2. You don’t need to floss every day.
Routine oral care, which includes brushing after every meal and before bedtime, and flossing at least once a day, is the best way to prevent gum disease. However, a recent survey estimates that only 13.5 percent of Americans floss each day. It is vital that you keep up with your daily oral care, and see a dental professional for a thorough check-up twice a year. If gum disease is diagnosed, a consultation with a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating periodontal disease, may be beneficial.

3. A visit to the periodontist will be scary.

Periodontists are gum disease experts. They have received three or more years of specialized training following dental school centered on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Periodontists are equipped with the latest treatments and technologies, using innovative tools such as digital radiography, ultrasound technology, biomarker measurement and laser therapy to help make your visit more comfortable.

4. A tooth lost to gum disease is a tooth lost forever.
Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, in addition to treating gum disease, periodontists are also experts in placing dental implants — a convenient and comfortable way to permanently replace missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth. Studies have shown that dental implants have a 98 percent success rate, and with proper care, allow you to speak, eat and smile with confidence. In fact, a survey conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology found that over 70 percent of respondents reported being “pleased” or “extremely satisfied” with the results of their dental implants.

5. Poor oral hygiene is the only way to develop gum disease.
Forgoing good oral hygiene can certainly contribute to the progression of gum disease, but there are a variety of other factors that can also impact your risk. For instance, tobacco use has been shown to greatly increase your chance of developing gum disease. Stress, poor diet, and even genetics, can also play a role in the health of your gums.

About the American Academy of Periodontology

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) is the professional organization for periodontists — specialists in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth, and in the placement of dental implants. Periodontists are also dentistry’s experts in the treatment of oral inflammation. They receive three additional years of specialized training following dental school, and periodontics is one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.

Source: American Academy of Periodontology

Non-surgical therapy removes plaque and calculus by controlling the growth of harmful bacteria and by treating conditions that encourage gum disease. This type of treatment may be all that’s needed, especially when periodontal disease is caught early. You may also need to have certain procedures, such as replacing worn fillings or crowns with overhanging margins that can accumulate plaque, taken care of before periodontal therapy can begin.

Scaling and Root Planing:

Scaling is a type of cleaning that removes plaque and calculus from the teeth at and slightly below the gumline. Root planing smoothes root surfaces, so the supportive tissues can better reattach to the tooth surface. Often, this will be done with local anesthesia so you can relax and feel nothing as we rehabilitate your gums.

Antibiotics:

Periodontal disease is a bacterial disease and the key to controlling or eliminating it is the effective reduction or elimination of the harmful bacteria. An adjunctive option to scaling and root planing may be provided in either pill form or applied directly to the infected area (gum pocket) in the form of antibiotic powder. An antibacterial mouth rinse also may be prescribed to help control the harmful effects of and reduce bacterial plaque.

Occlusal Adjustment:

This procedure makes corrections to the bite associated with loose, shifting teeth or teeth that are biting too hard. Balancing and evenly distributing the biting and chewing forces on a tooth reduces the looseness and relieves excessive pressures on the supporting gum and bone structures. We may either choose to adjust your bite so that your teeth meet properly and function better.

Most periodontists would agree that after scaling and root planing, many patients do not require any further active treatment, including surgical therapy. However, the majority of patients will require ongoing maintenance therapy to sustain health. Non-surgical therapy does have its limitations, however, and when it does not achieve periodontal health, surgery may be indicated to restore periodontal anatomy damaged by periodontal diseases and to facilitate oral hygiene practices.

Additional Information:

American Academy of Periodontology (AAP.org) states on their website: “Periodontal diseases…are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs…

Research is suggesting that this may:

• Contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation’s leading
cause of death.

• Increase the risk of stroke.

• Increase a woman’s chance of having a preterm, low-birthweight baby.

• Pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by
diabetes, respiratory diseases, or osteoporosis.

In conclusion, leaving your gum issues untreated can cause a serious threat to your health. Please call our office today, so schedule your appointment.