overview
Periodontal disease (gingivitis) is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s usually caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on teeth and harden. It starts with swollen, red and bleeding gums. If left untreated, it can spread to the bones surrounding the gums, making chewing painful. In the worst case, the teeth may become loose or need to be removed.
Reasons
Plaque that is not removed every day can harden and form tartar, and tartar buildup can lead to gum disease. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
There are several risk factors for gingivitis, but smoking is the most important. Smoking can also make gum disease treatment less successful. Other risk factors include hormonal changes in girls and women. certain diseases, such as diabetes or AIDS and their medications; and genetics.
Symptoms
Gingivitis symptoms can affect different areas of the mouth.
Diagnosis
At a dental visit, a dentist or dental hygienist will perform tests to diagnose periodontal disease:
Your dentist may also refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, who may provide other treatment options not provided by your dentist.
Treatment
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatments vary, depending on the extent of gum disease. Any type of treatment requires the patient to maintain good daily care at home. The dentist may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as stopping smoking, as a way to improve the results of your treatment.
Helpful tips
You can keep your gums and teeth healthy by:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss regularly to remove plaque between teeth. Alternatively, you can use a device such as an interdental brush (between the teeth), a wooden or plastic handle, or a “water flosser” recommended by a dentist.
- Routine visit to the dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning.
- Stop smoking.
Additional resources
- Periodontitis
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about periodontal disease causes, warning signs, risk factors, and prevention and treatment. - MedlinePlus: Gum Disease
The NIH National Library of Medicine’s collection of links to government, professional, and nonprofit/volunteer organizations with information on periodontal disease and gingivitis. - How to quit smoking
Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about smoking cessation.
