What is Gum Disease?

What is Gum Disease?
A Willoughby Dentist Explains the Details

Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease, is a condition that becomes progressively worse and can lead to tooth loss. Although most people associate gingivitis with this condition, the reality is that gum inflammation typically occurs before periodontitis develops. In other words, anyone who has been diagnosed with gingivitis needs to pay close attention to their oral health so that they can reduce their likelihood of ending up with periodontal disease.

What exactly is gum disease?

Periodontal disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss. People who have this condition will experience the formation of pockets between their teeth and gums. Unfortunately, these pockets often become infected. This leads to the erosion of the connective tissue and bone that keeps your teeth in place. Over time, the bone and gum tissue will become destroyed, and this causes teeth to become loose enough to fall out.

What are the causes and symptoms of gum disease?

Gum disease can be caused by a variety of issues, including plaque, smoking, hormonal changes, insufficient oral hygiene habits, certain medications, genetics and diseases such as HIV, diabetes and cancer. Unfortunately, many people who have periodontal disease will be unaware until the late stages because this condition can progress painlessly. However, there are a few symptoms that can help people determine that they have an issue before it is too late. If you are experiencing loose teeth, persistent bad taste or bad breath, swollen or bleeding gums, receding gums, or any changes in the way that your teeth or dentures fit in your mouth, you should definitely contact your Cleveland area dentist immediately for a checkup.

The importance of avoiding gum disease

Many people erroneously believe that issues such as gingivitis will not end up progressing into something worse. The reality is that being proactive is one of the only ways to effectively reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease that will affect one or several of your teeth. When you consider the fact that this disease can cause your teeth to fall out, it becomes easy to understand why it is so important to avoid this oral health issue.

The good news is that gum disease can be halted and even reversed if you take the proper steps. There are a variety of treatments available depending on the severity of the condition, including root planning, dental cleaning, bone surgery, soft tissue or bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and pocket reduction surgery. We treat gum disease frequently at Emerald Dental Care. We assess and treat periodontal disease, and we can also help you prevent this problem from occurring in the first place.

Have more questions about gum disease? Contact us at our Willoughby dental office at 440.944.2200 to schedule an appointment.