GUM DISEASE

Periodontal Disease | Gum Disease Treatment

You may not realize that persistent swollen, red or bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity, and bad breath are warning signs of periodontal (gum) disease - a serious infection that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. (Make an appointment at Kramer Periodontal)

Jot down your answers to the following questions to find out if you have the symptoms of periodontal disease.

Gum Disease Questions:

Do you ever have pain in your mouth?

Do your gums ever bleed when you brush your teeth or when you eat hard food?

Have you noticed any spaces developing between your teeth?

Do your gums ever feel swollen or tender?

Have you noticed that your gums are receding (pulling back from your teeth)?

Do your teeth appear longer than before?

Do you have persistent bad breath?

Have you noticed pus between your teeth and gums?

Have you noticed any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite?

Do you ever develop sores in your mouth?

Stages of Gum Disease | Periodontal Disease

In the broadest sense, the term gum disease--or periodontal disease--describes bacterial growth and production of factors that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. "Periodontal" means "around the tooth." Gum disease begins with plaque, which is always forming on your teeth, without you even knowing it. When it accumulates to excessive levels, it can harden into a substance called tartar (calculus) in as little as 24 hours. Tartar is so tightly bound to teeth that it can be removed only during a professional cleaning.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. Each stage is characterized by what a dentist sees and feels in your mouth, and by what's happening under your gumline. Although gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis, it's important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. In the early stage of gingivitis, the gums can become red and swollen and bleed easily, often during toothbrushing. Bleeding, although not always a symptom of gingivitis, is a signal that your mouth is unhealthy and needs attention. The gums may be irritated, but the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage. Although dental disease in America remains a serious public health concern, recent developments indicate that the situation is far from hopeless.

Checking Your Gums

Check your gums on a regular basis for these signs of gum disease:

a change in the color of your gums

gums that are red around your teeth

gums that bleed every time you brush or floss

bad breath that will not go away

a taste of metal in your mouth

shiny, puffy or sore gums

teeth that are sensitive for no reason

Gum Disease Treatment

These are all good reasons to make an periodontal appointment right away with Dr. Maria Kramer.

Gum disease is one of the main reasons why adults lose their teeth. But the good news is gum disease can almost always be prevented. If it starts, it can be treated and can even be turned around (or reversed) in its early stages. If gum disease is not treated, you can have gums that are always sore, red and puffy, get a painful infection (called an abscess) in the area between your teeth and gums or lose your teeth. Without enough gum tissue and bone to hold your teeth in place, they can become loose and fall out. Nobody wants to have these things happen. With regular care, they won't!