Gum disease ( Periodontitis ) is a problem for over 60% of the adult population. Because it often goes unnoticed until the later stages, it has often been called a "silent epidemic" in American culture.

Some of the signs and symptoms of gum disease are red, swollen gum tissue, bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss, chronic bad breath, and loose teeth.

Cause of gum disease

The cause of gum disease is a bacterial infection in the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. This infection is worsened by the presence of plaque and tartar on your teeth.

When this tartar is not removed professionally by a dentist or dental hygienist, an infected pocket can form around the tooth.

When this pocket deepens, the infection can spread to the fibers supporting the tooth and to the surrounding bone. Left untreated, this gum disease can lead to the formation of an abscess and the loss of one or more natural teeth.

Gum disease linked to heart disease.

Recent studies have linked gum disease to increased risk of heart attach, osteoporosis, diabetes and stroke.

Treatment

Treatment for gum disease can be surgical or non-surgical in nature.

Surgical

Surgical gum treatment involves removing the diseased gum tissue through either a minor procedure, called a gingivectomy, or through a more extensive (and expensive) procedure, called periodontal (gum) surgery.

This is usually necessary when the pockets around the teeth are 6 millimeters deep or deeper, or where the infection is especially bad.

Non-surgical

Non-surgical gum treatment is available when the pocket depths are less than 6 millimeters in depth. "Deep Cleaning" or Periodontal Scaling involves the doctor or hygienist numbing a section of your mouth and using special instruments to go below the gum-line and clean out the bacteria from the pocket. Occasionally a topical antibiotic is applied, or an oral rinse is prescribed to help in the healing. These measures can often reverse the damage caused by the bacteria in the gums.

Prevention

So how does one prevent this silent epidemic? The answer is in the coordinated partnership between the dental office and the patient. We clean your teeth on a regular basis, and you work hard at home to keep the levels of plaque and tartar to a minimum.

Proper diet and nutrition are essential if gums are to remain healthy and strong. For example, the restriction of refined sugar in one's diet (colas, candy, etc) is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Protein in one's diet (to supply the amino acids necessary for wound healing) is very important as well as supplementation with normal vitamins and minerals recommended by a physician or nutritionist.