Gum Disease Hillsborough, NJ

Taking care of your gums is an essential part of your oral hygiene. Gum care starts at home, with a daily hygiene routine that includes flossing to clean below the gum line. Your dentist and hygienist will monitor the health of your gums and can recommend the best gum disease treatment options if they detect signs of inflammation or periodontal (gum) disease.

What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Gum disease is a progressive disease that breaks down the gum tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and dental calculus. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and contribute to other systemic health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, 7 in 10 adults will experience gum disease in their lifetime. The good news is gum disease is preventable and can be reversed if it’s caught early enough.

If it’s been more than 6 months since your last professional cleaning, request an appointment today!

Additional Information

The word periodontal means “around the tooth”. Periodontal disease is a condition in which forms of bacteria known as plaque and tartar (calculus) have infected the teeth and their supporting gum and bone structures. Plaque is a slick film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that forms on the teeth all the time as you eat and drink through the day. Plaque becomes tartar when left in place for more than twenty-four hours. The two together actively destroy tooth, gum, and bone tissue. Periodontal disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums, is so common that four out of five people have it but remain unaware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages.

In fact, the disease is so common that it is the number one cause of tooth loss. Additionally, current research suggests that the inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontal disease may affect other systemic diseases like stroke, bacterial pneumonia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk during pregnancy. Fortunately, good oral hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular dental visits are easy ways to significantly reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease.

The following is a list of symptoms that suggest the presence of periodontal disease:

• Bleeding Gums: Gums should never bleed, even with vigorous brushing or flossing.
• Loose Teeth: Often caused by weakened periodontal fibers, the muscle tissue that binds teeth to the bone.
• New Spaces Between Teeth: This may be suggestive of bone loss.
• Persistent Bad Breath: Often caused by too much bacteria in the mouth.
• Tender or Receding Gums: Bacteria can cause an uncomfortable inflammation of the gums, eventually creating a loss of gum tissue around the tooth.
• Pus on Teeth and Gums: Pus is a sign of serious bacterial infection.

Early Signs of Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Signs of early gum disease, or gingivitis, include red, swollen gums. Your gums may also be tender or bleeding. It’s important to note that gum disease is often a silent disease – many people don’t notice any symptoms until it’s in its more advanced stages.

Symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease:

• Red, swollen or sore gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath
• Pain when chewing
• Loose or sensitive teeth

You can treat gingivitis at home by eating a healthy diet, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. This will help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth and give your gums a chance to recover.

Although you can brush away plaque, calculus (hardened plaque) can only be removed by your dental hygienist. Be sure to keep up with regular professional dental cleanings to keep hard-to-reach areas free of bacteria. Most people should get their teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. Your hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings depending on the condition of your teeth and gums.

If it’s been more than 6 months since your last professional cleaning, request an appointment today!