Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, can often go unnoticed due to its lack of symptoms and little pain until it reaches a severe stage.

Periodontal disease affects the area around the teeth, progressively destroying soft tissues and bone. Ultimately, the teeth can become loose and fall out, or need to be taken out. An early form of periodontal disease is referred to as gingivitis, while more severe cases are referred to as periodontitis.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum caused by the build-up of plaque, a thick and sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth. Gingivitis is the mildest and the most common form of periodontal disease. Symptoms include redness and swelling around the gum margins, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. If your gums are red and irritated rather than pink and firm, you might be suffering from gingivitis. Gingivitis is easily treated if detected early with simple methods. Professional teeth cleaning along with an improved home oral care routine can successfully manage gingivitis and restore gums to health.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease and is usually found in adults. Not only does periodontal disease affect the gums, but it also impacts the bone and supporting tissues in the mouth and jaws. Periodontitis causes the gum to pull away from the teeth leaving deep pockets that trap bacteria, further advancing the destruction and causing the teeth to loosen. If the condition is left untreated it can result in tooth loss. The complexity of treatment will depend on the severity of the disease. With consistent oral care and careful treatment, the progression of irreversible damage can be stopped.

Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases is associated with several systemic diseases, such as diabetes. (Systemic diseases are those diseases that affect the body as a whole.) Patients who have certain blood diseases or genetic disorders frequently show signs of periodontal diseases.

How do I know if I have Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease can occur without noticeable symptoms, unlike tooth decay which often causes discomfort. Regular dental check-ups are crucial, including periodontal examinations. These examinations help in identifying and treating early signs of gum diseases.

While periodontal disease may begin slowly for some patients, others may develop a rapidly progressive form of the disease. Schedule an examination appointment if you notice any of the following:

• Gums that bleed easily
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

How to prevent gum disease

Although some people may be more susceptible to gum disease, prevention methods remain consistent for everyone. Risk factors include smoking, stress, poor nutrition, certain medications and hormonal changes. You should be sure to:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste
• Floss daily between your teeth
• Drink fluoridated tap water after each meal
• Visit your dentist twice a year for maintenance

Treatment of Periodontal disease

The primary goal of periodontal treatment is to reduce the amount of bacteria on the teeth and surrounding tissues that cause periodontal disease and to prevent disease progression.

• Non-surgical Periodontal Treatment
  In most cases, conservative management is enough to stabilise gum disease, especially in mild to moderate disease. This involves deep cleaning under the gums with specialised instruments to remove the bacterial biofilm and plaque retentive calculus (tartar) in the periodontal pockets. This can be performed under local anaesthesia to minimise any discomfort. Adjunctive medication may be used to enhance the results of scaling and root planing or periodontal maintenance therapy. In some severe cases, non-surgical periodontal therapy may precede surgical therapy. This can help reduce the inflammation and increase the success of surgery as well as limit the areas requiring surgery.

• Surgical Periodontal Treatment
  In certain cases, non-surgical periodontal therapy may not be effective due to poor accessibility caused by the extent or location of the periodontal defect. In such situations, a small surgical procedure can be performed to gain access to the root surfaces that have been affected by periodontal disease. This technique allows for effective maintenance of areas around infected teeth by reshaping damaged bone. In some cases, bone grafting materials can be used to regenerate lost bone in specific areas, improving the long-term outlook for severely affected teeth. These procedures are carried out under local anaesthetic the procedure with little to no discomfort. Post-operative recovery is fast and is rarely accompanied by severe pain.