Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. In its early stage (gingivitis) it can be reversed. If untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone and can lead to tooth loss.
Signs
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
Treatment
- We measure the depth of the spaces around your teeth and take x-rays to check bone levels
- Early gum disease is usually treated with a thorough cleaning and better home care
- Deeper disease may need scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning below the gum line, usually done with local anesthetic
- Maintenance visits, often every three to four months, keep the disease under control
Risk factors
Smoking, diabetes, some medications, stress and a family history can raise your risk. Good home care and regular visits are the best protection. If your gums bleed, do not wait. Early treatment is simpler and saves teeth.