What is gingivitis? This is when the build-up of bacteria around the gums causes a reddening & swelling of the gums (inflammation) around the neck of the teeth only. Gingivitis is easily reversible by proper brushing & flossing.
What is periodontitis? (Sometimes called "pyorrhea" or "gum disease") In periodontitis, the bacteria work down the side of the teeth under the gumline, & destroy the bone supporting the teeth. There may also be hardening of the bacteria into calculus ("tartar"), which cannot be removed by brushing. Destruction of the bone is not reversible, but can be stopped.
What are the signs of periodontitis? Your gums may bleed easily, leaving a persistent bad taste in your mouth or bad breath. As it works deeper, your teeth will become wobbly & move apart.
What can be done? Treatment of periodontitis will not replace the lost bone already destroyed, but you can stop it from getting worse.
The aims are:
- To remove all bacteria & calculus causing the inflammation & destruction.
- To remove all diseased parts of gum tissue to allow good healing.
- To return your gums, bone, & teeth to health so that you can maintain them.
Where the amount of periodontal disease is limited & mild, the treatment may be performed by your general dentist. For more widespread &/or severe cases, you may be referred to a specialist ("periodontist") dentist.
What if I don't have treatment? Periodontitis is a slow disease which doesn't give pain until the advanced stages. By then, the bacteria will have worked well down the root surface, destroying the bone supporting your teeth. Pus will form deep under the gum ("pyorrhea"), & your teeth will become loose & sore. There may be no option but to extract the teeth now.
PERIODONTITIS CAN BE HALTED, AND DOESN' T HAVE TO HAPPEN.