Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Infection can start in the gums whenever the teeth near them are not clean of plaque.
Gum disease is a progressive condition so it can be difficult to define each stage precisely.
This is how the three stages of gum disease develop:
Mild – When too much plaque is allowed to rest around the necks of the teeth, the gums get inflamed – this condition is known as ‘Gingivitis’
Moderate – If gingivitis continues, the gums get baggy around the teeth allowing more plaque and bacteria to penetrate into the periodontal fibres and destroy the supporting
bone. This condition is known as ‘Periodontitis’
Advanced – If periodontitis continues un-checked, bone support is reduced to a point where the tooth becomes mobile and will eventually drop out
What to look for
- Healthy gingiva (gums) – firm pink do not bleed, little sign of plaque
- Gingivitis – Slightly inflamed red around margins of gum with occasional bleeding
- Periodontitis – Plaque present soft and swollen gums darker in colour and bleeding on pressure
There may be:
- Deposits of calculus around teeth
- Loose teeth (due to bone loss)
- Bad breath
- Burning pain from the gums
- Pus and old blood collect around the teeth
Treatment
To keep gums healthy and prevent disease, remove plaque daily by effective & thorough tooth-cleaning.
Gingivitis can still be reversed by surface cleaning, removal of plaque and improved oral hygiene.
Periodontitis can only be reversed by thorough deep cleaning, (root planing) requiring local anaesthetic and in advanced disease some extractions may be required.
See page 57 of Teeth Relief manual for more information
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