Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that can lead to soft tissue damage and bone loss. In the worst cases, teeth are lost. Click the image to the left to see an illustration of the progress of periodontal disease.

There are 3 stages of gum disease:

Stage 1: Gingivitis

This is the first stage of gum disease. Gums feel tender, mildly sore, may bleed when flossing & brushing. Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis and will lead to tooth loss and other health problems.

Stage 2: Peridontitis

At this stage, the plaque has spread to the tooth roots, causing inflammation to the bone & fibers. Gums pull away from the teeth. Gums are inflammed and bleed.

Stage 3: Advanced periodontitis (Final stage)

Supporting bone & the fibers holding teeth are destroyed. Teeth become loose. Increased mobility of the teeth causes the bite to change. Infection sets in, and teeth eventually have to be removed.

We recommend patients seek treatment with a periodontist for advanced periodontitis.

How do I know if I have periodontal disease??

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

But it only affects the mouth, right?

Wrong! Research has established associations between oral bacteria (from gum disease) and many systemic diseases. Unhealthy conditions in your mouth create a breeding ground for other, more serious infections. Diseases that have been linked to oral bacterial/gum disease include:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Disease
• Blood Clots and Strokes
• Preterm and Low Birth Weight Babies
• Alzheimer’s Disease

The mouth may be a portal for bacteria to spread to the rest of your body.

Pathogenic bacteria in gum disease form colonies that cause localized inflammation and damage in your gum tissue. Those bacteria may enter the blood stream through small ulcers in your gum tissue. Maintaining a healthy smile is not just an issue of vanity. It is very important to your overall health, and waiting until you have pain to see your dentist can lead to serious complications.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Non Surgical Treatments		Surgical Treatment
Scaling & Root Planning (Deep Cleaning) Medicated Tray Delivery Devices		Periodontal Surgery Laser Gum Treatment