Gum Disease Treatment & Prevention

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. It is one of the most common types of oral health issues and one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Because it is pain-free, many people don’t know that they have the disease. This means it’s very important to get regular check ups to constantly check for early signs of the disease.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque that builds up on your teeth. If the plaque isn’t properly removed by brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups, it will continue to build up and damage your gums.

The disease forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. There are two stages of periodontal disease:

• Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
• Periodontitis — If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.