Facts About Gum Disease

Periodontal, or gum, disease is a disorder that damages the gums of the mouth. Gums protect the nerves and roots of the tooth. While not a fatal disease, periodontal disease contributes to a receding gum line that can cause the weakening of teeth and, eventually, tooth loss.

Causes of gum disease

Causes can be organic and due to outside influence. People with a chronic, systemic disease like diabetes can be at a higher risk. Gum disease can also be a side effect of prescription medication, including steroids, anti-epileptics, cancer therapies, calcium channel blockers for cardiovascular diseases and oral contraceptives.

The primary outside influence of gum disease is tobacco use, including smokeless or chewing tobacco.

Signs or symptoms

Gum disease is diagnosed by bleeding, swollen and tender gums, loose teeth, receding gums and changes to the way permanent teeth or dentures fit together when biting.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. Typically manifested as receding gum line or sensitive or bleeding gums, gingivitis is usually reversible if treated. No tissue or bone loss occurs with gingivitis. The effects can be treated with good oral hygiene -- daily brushing and flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.

Periodontitis

Untreated gingivitis leads to periodontitis. This inflammation causes gums to recede and pull away from teeth. Plaques and bacteria spread below the gumline, eating away at connective tissue and the remaining gums. If left untreated, the jawbone, gums, nerves and teeth will erode. The teeth themselves will often fall out.

Treatments

Dentists or periodontists can employ an invasive cleaning method to rectify effects, such as scraping tartar from above and below the gumline, usually followed by root planing, which removes the rough spots from the tooth root. The tooth root is where germs gather and the disease festers.

Doctors also will prescribe fluoride rinses or antibiotic gels to treat the area where the bacteria has built up.