About Gum Disease
Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the supporting tissues of the teeth, which includes the gums, gingiva, alveolar bone, cementum, and the periodontal ligament.
Causes
Poor oral hygiene habits, smoking and systemic diseases are all risk factors for gum disease because they increase the likelihood of plaque to build up on the teeth, which will eventually infect the gums.
Gum Disease & Your Overall Health
It is important to treat gum disease because it can affect a number of health issues, including heart health, diabetes, and the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Stages of Gum Disease
Gum disease does not present obvious symptoms when it first starts to develop. Many patients only begin to notice symptoms when they have progressed past the early stages.
Untreated, gum disease typically progresses in the following stages:
Gum Disease Treatment
Treatment for periodontal disease depends on the type and severity of the disease. If it is caught in the early stages, preventative therapy will be recommended.
Otherwise, your treatment will fall into one of the following categories: