BUR OAK DENTAL
Periodontal (Gum) Therapy
Bur Oak Dental
What Causes Gum (Periodontal) Disease?
Gum disease can occur when the tissues that hold your teeth in place become inflamed due to the plaque/calculus that builds up and spreads over time. Gum disease is very common and can occur at any age.
Types of Gum Disease
Failure to maintain your teeth properly can lead to inflammation of the gums known as gingivitis.
Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gingiva (gum tissue).
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease caused mainly by calculus/tartar buildup (as well as other genetic and contributory factors) irritating the gingiva (gums) and bone surrounding the teeth. This can expose the roots of your teeth and leave larger pockets at their base. If periodontitis is not treated, these pockets can continue to deepen and cause mobility of the teeth, eventually resulting in their extraction.
Sypmtoms
Gum disease can be difficult to identify. The following symptoms should alert you to the presence of gum disease:
- Bleeding gums, particularly when brushing teeth
- Swollen, red gums
- Discomfort
- Bad breath
- Unpleasant taste
- Loose teeth and abscesses
Risk Factors
People who lack proper oral hygiene are at particular risk for gum disease. Also at risk are those with a genetic predisposition, uncontrolled medical conditions, braces, dentures, misaligned teeth, and daily habits such as smoking and tobacco consumption.
Treatment & Prevention
If you experience symptoms of gum disease, it is important to visit your dentist for an examination and treatment. Gum disease usually requires a thorough cleaning and possible deep scaling. Deep Scaling is required in mild cases of periodontitis to remove the plaque and tartar buildup. In moderate to advanced cases, surgery may be required.
Your dentist will help you decide on a treatment tailored to your individual needs. This may include certain styles of toothbrushes, instruction on the proper methods of brushing/flossing your teeth, additional helpful cleansing products, and any necessary in-office periodontal therapy.
How Serious is Gum Disease?
Chronic Adult Periodontal Disease is one of the most common diseases in the world. It is clear that there is both a genetic and an ethnic susceptibility to the disease, and as with certain other diseases, some individuals are more at risk than the average population. Most people are completely unaware of the problem, for this reason regular check ups at Bur Oak Dental is recommended.