Gum Disease FAQ

When bacteria builds on the gums because of not brushing or flossing properly, the gums will become irritated and possibly infected. This is called gum disease.

Some of the symptoms that you will notice are red and swollen gums, bleeding when you brush the teeth and bad breath. This comes from the bacteria that is in the mouth. If you let the disease continue, then the gums could recede or the teeth might become loose.

While you might notice some of the symptoms, you might try to treat the problem on your own. If you visit the dentist every six months as recommended, then the dentist can look for signs of gum disease. Most dentists will use a PerioScope to look for gum disease. This will help the dentist see disease that the eye can't see.

Some of the risk factors include genetics, economic status, hormones in women and diabetes. If you have any of these factors, then you should monitor your gums and take care of them in the best way possible.

As long as you brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day and use an antibacterial mouthwash, then the chances of gum disease developing are minimal.

Surgery usually isn't required to treat gum disease. However, if it progresses to the point where the gums are receding or you are losing teeth, then surgery might be required in order to pull the gums back in place.

This is not one of those things that you want to see as you get older. It's a sign of oral hygiene that has not been maintained.

Gum disease is one of the factors associated with heart disease. You could start to see the gums deteriorate. The teeth will start to fall out as spaces will develop between the teeth and gum line.

This is called scaling and planing of the roots. The tartar and bacteria are removed, and planing gets rid of the rough spots that have been created by the bacteria.

If treatments are not helpful, then surgery might be the only other option. All treatments will be used before this is put into place.