Treatment for gum disease

Periodontal disease, also know as gum disease, starts with an infection of the gums that moves into the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place.

At first it's silent, practically invisible and sometimes even painless. But by the time it reaches its advanced stages it becomes uncomfortable, unsightly, and very difficult to treat.

If left untreated, the gums and bone become so seriously damaged that the teeth can fall out or have to be removed to prevent further destruction of healthy teeth.

More than half of all adults have some form of periodontal disease. Teeth can last a lifetime and there are more and more people keeping their teeth their entire life. If you plan to be one of them it is important to understand the causes, symptoms, and best methods for treating and preventing periodontal disease.

The cause of periodontal disease starts with plaque. Plaque is made up of food debris and bacteria. The bacteria create toxins that irritate the gums and cause them to swell and bleed easily. This swelling or inflammation destroys the gum tissue and causes it to separate from the teeth.

When the gums are not tight against the teeth, the plaque can move under the gums and attack the bone and ligaments that hold the teeth in place. Over time the plaque hardens and turns into calculus or tartar which increases the destruction of bone.

Major factors that contribute to the formation of periodontal disease are smoking or chewing tobacco, poor oral hygiene, poorly fitting bridges or crowns, crowded teeth, old or defective fillings, food impaction between teeth, clenching or grinding of teeth, poor diet, and diseases that effect the immune system such as diabetes.

Healthy gums are firm and pink. They don't bleed when brushing or flossing and they are tight against the teeth.

In contrast, unhealthy gums show the symptoms of periodontitis. They are dark red, swollen, and tender. They bleed during brushing or flossing and can even have pus oozing from them. A person can have persistent bad breath and the teeth may even shift or loosen.

The good news is periodontal disease can be treated if caught early. Procedures ranging from a simple professional cleaning and increased home oral hygiene care to deep cleaning and root planing to periodontal surgery can allow the gums to heal and resume oral health.

There are also some promising new advances to add to thetreatment of this disease in the form of local antibiotics that are delivered directly under the gum tissue.

The best way to prevent gum disease and to keep your teeth a life time is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day, eating a balanced diet, and keeping regular appointments with your dentist for professional cleanings and exams.

Canale maintains a general dental practice in Old Town Moorpark.