Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. It can begin with mild gum inflammation and, if left untreated, progress to damage of the gums, bone, and other structures that keep your teeth in place.

With regular dental care, good oral hygiene, and appropriate treatment, periodontal disease can often be managed and its progression can be slowed or prevented.

What Is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, affects the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. It is usually associated with the buildup of plaque and bacteria along and below the gum line.

In its early stage, periodontal disease may cause gum inflammation without permanent damage. As the condition progresses, the tissues and bone supporting the teeth can become damaged.

What Causes Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease typically begins when plaque accumulates around the teeth. Plaque contains bacteria that can irritate the gums and trigger inflammation.

If plaque is not removed regularly, it can harden into tartar. Tartar provides additional areas where bacteria can accumulate and cannot be removed effectively with a regular toothbrush.

• Plaque and tartar buildup
• Inadequate brushing and interdental cleaning
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Diabetes and certain health conditions
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Genetic factors
• Stress and other lifestyle factors

Gingivitis: The Early Stage

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. The gums may become red, swollen, tender, or prone to bleeding during brushing or flossing.

At this stage, the tissues supporting the teeth have not typically experienced the bone loss associated with periodontitis. With appropriate treatment and improved oral hygiene, gingivitis can often be reversed.

Periodontitis: Advanced Gum Disease

If gingivitis is not treated, inflammation can progress into periodontitis. The infection can begin to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

Spaces called periodontal pockets can develop between the teeth and gums. As these pockets become deeper, bacteria can become more difficult to remove with routine home care.

Advanced periodontal disease can eventually result in tooth mobility and tooth loss.

Signs & Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease can develop without significant pain, particularly during its early stages. Regular dental examinations are therefore important even if your gums do not feel uncomfortable.

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Tender or sensitive gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Teeth appearing longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in your bite
• Changes in the way partial dentures fit
• Persistent discharge or pus around the gums

Bleeding Gums & Periodontal Disease

Bleeding gums can be an early sign of gum inflammation. Although occasional bleeding may have other causes, frequent bleeding during brushing or interdental cleaning should not be ignored.

If your gums bleed regularly, your dental team can assess your gum health and determine whether periodontal disease or another condition may be contributing to the problem.

Periodontal Pockets

Healthy gums fit closely around the teeth. With periodontal disease, inflammation and tissue damage can cause spaces called periodontal pockets to develop.

Your dental professional can measure these areas during an examination to assess the health of the tissues supporting your teeth.

Bone Loss & Periodontal Disease

Advanced periodontal disease can cause the bone surrounding and supporting the teeth to deteriorate.

Bone loss can weaken the foundation of the teeth and may eventually lead to tooth mobility or tooth loss. Dental X-rays can sometimes be used to evaluate the amount of supporting bone that remains.

Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

Several factors can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease or make existing gum disease more difficult to manage.

• Smoking or tobacco use
• Poor oral hygiene
• Diabetes
• Family history of gum disease
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Stress
• Some medical conditions
• Irregular dental care

Smoking & Periodontal Disease

Smoking and tobacco use can significantly affect gum health. Tobacco can interfere with the body’s ability to respond to infection and may make periodontal disease more difficult to manage.

Stopping tobacco use can provide important benefits for both oral and overall health.

Periodontal Disease & Overall Health

Your oral health is closely connected with your overall health. Periodontal disease has been associated with several systemic health conditions, although the relationship between oral and systemic health is complex.

Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of maintaining your overall health and wellbeing.

How Is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

Your dentist or dental hygienist can assess your gums during a comprehensive dental examination.

The evaluation may include:

• Checking for redness and swelling
• Measuring periodontal pockets
• Checking for gum bleeding
• Assessing gum recession
• Checking tooth mobility
• Evaluating plaque and tartar buildup
• Reviewing changes in your bite
• Taking dental X-rays when appropriate

How Is Periodontal Disease Treated?

Treatment depends on the severity of the disease and the condition of your gums and supporting structures.

The primary goals of treatment are to control the infection, remove plaque and tartar, reduce inflammation, and help protect the tissues supporting your teeth.

Professional Dental Cleanings

Professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar that cannot be effectively removed at home. They are an important part of preventing and managing gum disease.

Your dental team may recommend a cleaning schedule based on your individual periodontal health.

Scaling & Root Planing

When periodontal disease has progressed below the gum line, scaling and root planing may be recommended.

This deeper cleaning removes plaque and tartar from periodontal pockets and smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots to help the gums heal and reattach where possible.

Periodontal Maintenance

Patients who have been treated for periodontal disease may require ongoing periodontal maintenance visits.

These appointments allow your dental team to monitor your gums, remove plaque and tartar, and identify signs of recurring inflammation as early as possible.

Can Periodontal Disease Be Prevented?

Good daily oral hygiene and regular professional care can significantly reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.

• Brush your teeth twice a day.
• Clean between your teeth every day.
• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Attend regular dental examinations.
• Have professional cleanings as recommended.
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Tell your dental team about changes in your gums.

When Should You See a Dentist?

You should have your gums evaluated if you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, redness, recession, bad breath, loose teeth, or changes in the way your teeth fit together.

Because periodontal disease can progress without significant pain, regular examinations are important even when your mouth feels healthy.

Protect Your Gums & Teeth

Periodontal disease can affect the long-term health and stability of your teeth, but early detection and appropriate treatment can help protect your gums and supporting structures.

If you are concerned about your gum health, the team at Scarborough Village Dental Care can assess your periodontal health and recommend a personalized approach to treatment and ongoing care.