What is gum disease? What causes gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a condition affecting the gums supporting the teeth. Bacteria in plaque located along the gum lines cause the gum to recede or detach from the tooth surface.

Plaque is a combination of food and bacteria. The bacteria residing on plaque along the gum lines produce toxins that detach the gums from the tooth. If left untreated, this condition will result in the root loosening from the surrounding tissues.

When gum disease progresses, you will have the following symptoms:

Bleeding gums while brushing the teeth or spontaneous bleeding
Swollen gums, red-colored gums
Recession of gums from the teeth exposing the roots
Teeth are sensitive to hot and cold
Toothache, specifically a dull ache of the tooth
Mobility of the teeth
Bad taste in the mouth
Food lodgment in between the teeth

It is very important to remove plaque and tartar from the gumline. This removes bacteria from these areas and keeps the gums healthy. Regular cleaning twice a year is needed to keep the gums healthy. You need a proper gum evaluation to see the areas that are more affected. This helps the dentist to develop strategies to keep the disease under control. Moreover, proper home care instructions personalized for you help maintain the teeth and supporting structures healthy.