Periodontal Diseases

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• QWhat could cause my gums to bleed when I am brushing?

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  A YouBeauty answered

  Inflamed gums or excessive bleeding after brushing and flossing may be warning signs of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease can become the more severe periodontitis (literally meaning “inflammation around the teeth”). Gum disease is typically caused by subpar brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a thick buildup of bacteria—to stick to teeth, which then inflames the surrounding gums. But what’s going on in your mouth says a lot about your health and beauty. Symptoms such as bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath or tenderness in the mouth can give insight to larger issues within the body.

  Doctors link gum disease to internal body issues, such as thinning hair, heart problems, respiratory issues, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

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• QHow does smoking cause gum disease?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  Smoking may be responsible for almost 75% of periodontal (gum) diseases among adults. Tobacco products damage your gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. An example of the effect is receding gums. A receding gum line exposes the tooth roots and increases your risk of developing a sensitivity to hot and cold, or tooth decay in these unprotected areas.

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• QWhat is gum disease?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  Gum disease is an inflammation of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. If it is severe, it can destroy the tissue and bone. This can lead to tooth loss.

  Your teeth are covered with plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. You can remove plaque by brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning once a day between your teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner.

  Plaque that is not removed can harden into calculus (tartar). When tartar forms above and below the gumline, it becomes harder to brush and clean well between teeth. The buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease.

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• QCan gum recession be treated?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  Gum recession, when the gums shrink or pull away from the teeth, can happen to people of all ages. Sometimes it happens even if a person takes good care of his or her teeth. Gum recession can cause problems for your oral health.
  
  If you have gum recession, your dentist can help you understand the causes and recommend a treatment. If the gums have become unattached from the tooth, it is important to treat gum recession otherwise it is likely to get worse.

  • If your gum recession is due to brushing too hard, your dentist can show you a better way to clean your teeth.
  • If the recession is due to gum disease, the first step usually involves a special cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar deposits on the tooth and root surfaces. The scaling and root planing helps gum tissues heal. For many patients, this treatment, plus excellent oral care with regular dental checkups, can help stop periodontal disease and gum loss.
  • If the recession is advanced, a gum graft may be needed. A graft is when a thin piece of gum tissue is taken from another place in the patient's mouth and attached to the place where the gum tissue has receded. Once the graft heals, it covers the exposed tooth root. Tissue grafts may be done to protect one tooth or several teeth. Grafts protect the tooth root from sensitivity and decay and can also be used to make a smile look better. If you have a gum graft, your dentist will tell you how to care for your gums.

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• QAt what age does gum disease generally start?

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  A American Diabetes Association answered

  Gum disease can start at any age. Children and teenagers who have diabetes are at greater risk for gum disease than those who don't have diabetes. 

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• QHow can I afford to treat my gum problems if I have no insurance?

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  A Dr. Todd A. Welch, DMD , Periodontics, answered

  It depends on the periodontist that you see. Many periodontists offer in-office or other forms of financing such as Care Credit. These financing companies offer many reasonable financing options such as 12 months no interest. My advice would be to speak with your particular periodontist or dentist office and ask these questions.
• QWhat are the signs of periodontal disease in children?

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  A RealAge answered

  These four signs indicate that your child may have periodontal disease:

  • Bleeding gums during eating, brushing, or flossing
  • Bad breath that is not fixed by brushing, flossing, or use of mouthwash
  • Puffy, swollen, red gums
  • Receding gums, to the point where you can see the roots of teeth

  If any of these occur, don't hesitate to get your child to a dentist.
• QWhat are the treatment options for receding gums?

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  A RealAge answered

  The treatment options for receding gums (gum tissue that pulls away from the teeth because of severe periodontitis) include:
  

  • Deep cleaning through scaling and root planing to remove plaque and get rid of rough spots on the tooth roots.
  • Gum flap surgery to lift back the gums and remove tartar. The gums are then sutured in place to fit snugly around the tooth.
  • Bone and tissue grafts to replace tissue destroyed by periodontitis.

  The best options for you will depend on how severe your gum disease is and any other health problems you may have.
  

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• QIs it normal for most of my gums to recede as I age?

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  A American Dental Association answered

  It is normal for gums to recede as we age. However, as we age, the nerves inside our teeth become smaller and less sensitive. By the time you feel pain from a cavity, it may be too late and you may lose your tooth. It can also lead to gum disease, which does not always cause pain until the advanced stages of the disease. 

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