Periodontics

Gum Disease

Many adults have some level of gum disease. Gum disease is caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria- to build up on teeth and harden, causing inflammation.

Gingivitis is an early phase of gum disease which causes irritation, redness and inflammation of the gingiva, the part of your gum around the base of a tooth. Gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease, like periodontitis or tooth loss.

Some of the causes of gingivitis include poor oral hygiene and smoking. Your risk of developing gingivitis may also increase due to certain health conditions, genetics, diet, and stress.

A more severe form of gum disease is periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue of the gums. Without treatment, periodontitis can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

Periodontitis has also been linked to serious health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, pregnancy complications, Alzheimer’s disease, and even some cancers.

Signs of Gum Disease

Common signs of gum disease include:

• Bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away
• Tender or bleeding gum
• Red or swollen gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing

Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease

To prevent or reduce your chance of developing gum disease we recommend following a regular home oral hygiene routine, including twice daily brushing for at least two minutes each time, daily flossing, and coming into our office bi-annually for comprehensive oral health visits.

Your dentist at Barounis Dental will assess the health of your gums at your oral health visits. At these visits, we examine and measure your gums, looking for signs of gum disease.

If we see signs of developing gum disease, our dentists will work with you to ensure you receive appropriate treatment for your gum disease. In some cases, a referral to a periodontist, also known as a gum specialist, may be necessary.