Treating Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection in the tissues and bones surrounding the teeth. Also known as periodontal disease, it causes red and swollen gums which may bleed easily during brushing or flossing.

Gum disease affects more than 75% of Americans over the age of 35.

The good news is that gum disease is treatable with proper dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing daily.

Main types of gum disease: 

• Gingivitis: This is the most common and least severe type of gum disease. It affects the gums, or soft tissue, around the teeth.
• Periodontitis: This is less common than gingivitis, but it is also more severe, affecting not only the soft tissue around the teeth but also the tissue and bones that support the teeth. If left untreated, teeth may loosen in their sockets or fall out entirely

Causes

Gum disease is caused by a wide variety of factors, including poor dental hygiene, severe illnesses such as leukemia or HIV, smoking or chewing tobacco, a family history or dental disease, or even hormonal changes.

Prevention

In order to prevent gum disease, Cardinal Orthodontics recommends maintaining oral hygiene. Daily brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouth rinses can help reduce plaque build-up. We also recommend scheduling regular visits with your dentist and orthodontist to receive professional cleanings and to monitor your gum health.

If the gum disease is more severe, your dentist may recommend other treatments, such as scaling and root planing, which is essentially a deep clean of your teeth and gum line.

If the tissue around your teeth is too unhealthy for this treatment to work, surgical procedures like pocket reduction surgery, bone or soft tissue grafts, or bone surgery may be required.