What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, or Periodontitis, is a common disease affecting 80% of Americans. We have all heard the term gingivitis from the toothpaste manufacturers in their marketing. Simply stated, gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. The gums are red and swollen, and usually bleed when flossing. Gingivitis is reversible, simply by brushing and flossing, the inflammation subsides. The cause of gingivits is plaque. Plaque is the accumulation of bacteria that adheres to the teeth and gums. If it is not removed (brushing and flossing) it will cause the gums to become red and swollen. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease.

Periodontitis is much more serious form of gum disease. Periodontitis not only affects the gums, similar to gingivitis, but also causes adverse changes in the bone that supports our teeth. Periodontitis is classified by the severity of the disease, mild, moderate, advanced. This type of gum disease is caused by a multitude of different factors, including bacteria, genetics, immune system, systemic disease (ie. diabetes). Gum disease usually advances slowly and often asymptomatically, often taking several years before the patient is aware of any changes. Periodontal disease causes bone loss, reducing the support for the teeth. As the bone is lost, it produces a space between the tooth and gum called a "periodontal pocket". In normal health, the measurement between the tooth and gum is 3mm or less. With gum disease, pocket depths range from 4mm to 12mm or more. These "pockets" make it virtually impossible for people to properly remove the bacteria. This allows the bacteria to have virtual party as they can live and thrive in this environment, which in turns hastens the progression of the gum disease. If untreated, more and more bone loss occurs and eventually the teeth can get loose and possibly fall out.