Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a condition in which the gums, bones, and other supporting structures around the teeth become infected and damaged. This can lead to loss of teeth and other serious health problems.
The progression of periodontal disease typically begins with plaque and tartar build up on the teeth. This plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that collects on the teeth and gums and can cause inflammation and irritation. If left untreated, the plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
As the disease progresses, the gums can become red, swollen, and bleed easily. This is known as gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease. At this stage, the disease can often be reversed with proper dental hygiene and regular dental cleanings.
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a more advanced stage of the disease. At this stage, the gums, bones, and other supporting structures around the teeth can become severely damaged and infected. This can lead to loss of gum and bone tissue and tooth loss. The pockets between the teeth and gums can also become deeper, making it harder to clean the teeth and remove plaque and tartar.
It’s important to catch and treat periodontal disease in its early stages, as it can be more difficult and expensive to treat in its later stages. Regular dental check-ups, professional cleanings, and proper oral hygiene can help prevent the progression of the disease. If you have any symptoms of periodontal disease, such as red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush or floss, it’s important to see a dental professional as soon as possible.
See also links to systemic health.
To find out lots more information about periodontal disease visit HERE
Diagnosis
If you are showing early signs of periodontal disease (BPE 3 in more than one area) we will offer to carry out a more detailed examination of your gums so that we can determine the areas that need your attention. This also gives us a more detailed base measurement so that we can more closely monitor the progress or improvement of your gum condition.
For those who are showing more advanced signs of periodontal disease, the periodontal charting and monitoring becomes an integral part of our treatment planning and maintenance.
Because gum disease is multi-factorial we need to look at all your risk factors, this will help to determine your maintenance programme, the software will also help with this.
Should you have any concerns about your gums please ask any member of our team for more information.
Monitoring
Here at MainStreet Dental Practice we take gum disease very seriously, at every examination (check up) we carry out a Basic Periodontal Examination (BPE) along with all our other checks. This BPE is a screening tool to inform us if there is a deterioration in your gum condition, from this we follow our practice protocol in the treatment and maintenance of your gum health. This protocol is in line with those determined by the British Society of Periodontology (BSP).
The British Society of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry has a very informative leaflet on Periodontal Health (link opens in new tab)