Gum Disease: Warning Signs, Causes and Treatment Options

Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. It is one of the top reasons adults lose teeth, and because it is virtually pain-free, many people have it without knowing. The good news is that it is very preventable, and when it is caught early, treatment is simple.

What gum disease is and how it starts

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth. If plaque is not removed by brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups, it keeps building up and creates toxins that can damage the gums.

The infection forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. During each regular checkup, your dentist checks for gum disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums. Read more on our gum disease page.

The two stages

• Gingivitis is the early stage. The gums become red and swollen and bleed easily. At this stage the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
• Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left untreated. The gums and bone that support the teeth become seriously and irreversibly damaged, and teeth can become loose, fall out, or need to be removed.

Warning signs to watch for

It is possible to have gum disease and not know it, but these symptoms are worth a call to your dentist:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Who is at higher risk

Some factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, including:

• Smoking or using chewing tobacco
• Diabetes
• Certain medications, such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Crooked teeth
• Old fillings
• Pregnancy

Other causes include teeth grinding and genetics. If any of these apply to you, regular checkups are especially important. Patients at greater risk for gum disease may need to come in more than twice a year, and our doctors will help determine how often you should visit.

How gum disease is treated

Treatment depends on how advanced the disease is. At Janzen Dental, we always start with the least invasive options. Our periodontal treatments page goes into each one in detail.

Non-surgical treatment

The first line of defense is a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. An ultrasonic cleaning device removes plaque and tartar where regular cleaning cannot reach: under the gum line, on the tooth and around the root. The rough surfaces of the tooth and root are then smoothed (planed), giving the gum tissue a clean surface to reattach to. Non-surgical options can also include at-home periodontal trays.

If gum disease is addressed before it becomes severe, scaling and root planing may be the only treatment you need.

Surgical options

When the tissue or bone around the teeth is too damaged for non-surgical care, surgical procedures can prevent further damage and restore a healthy smile:

• Pocket depth reduction, also known as flap surgery, removes bacteria and hardened tartar from under the gums so the pockets shrink and the gums can reattach.
• Regeneration restores lost bone and tissue, sometimes with a bone graft or a special protein that stimulates tissue growth.
• Soft-tissue grafts cover exposed roots caused by gum recession and restore the gum line.

Replacing lost teeth

If teeth have already been lost, dental implants may be an option once your gums are healthy. Implants look and feel like natural teeth and do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. Other replacements, such as bridges and dentures, are also available.

Keeping gum disease away

After-care is vital. Even after a successful deep cleaning, gum disease can come back if you do not take care of your teeth. To keep your gums healthy:

• Brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or clean between your teeth at least once a day
• Eat a balanced diet and avoid tobacco
• Keep your regular checkups, every six months for most people

Our preventive care page and dental FAQs have more everyday tips. If you are new to our practice, here is what to expect at your first visit.

When to call us

If your gums bleed when you brush, look red or swollen, or have started to pull away from your teeth, do not wait for symptoms to get worse. Request an appointment or call (559) 431-5544, and find directions to our Fresno office. You do not have to lose teeth to periodontal disease, and early care makes all the difference.