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What is gum disease?

 

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults however, because gum disease is usually painless, you may not even know you have it.

Although most individuals suffer gum inflammation from time to time, around 10-15% of the population appear to suffer from the more severe forms of the disease, which cause loss of supporting bone. This group appears to be at greatest risk of losing teeth through periodontal disease. 

 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by dental plaque. It is simple to treat and normally does not cause any permanent damage to the tissues. Your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth, which is often the only sign you may have that anything is wrong.  

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is believed to follow on from untreated gingivitis. The difference between the two is that in periodontitis there is a permanent loss of the supporting tissues around the teeth and the formation of gum 'Pockets'. A 'Pocket' is a space between the root of the tooth and the gum, which permits the accumulation of more plaque in a site that is difficult for patients to keep clean.

What is plaque

We all form plaque on our teeth. It consists of a mixture of products from the saliva and many millions of bacteria, some more damaging than others. The type of bacteria changes depending upon how long the plaque has been left undisturbed and it becomes more irritant and damaging the older it is.