Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and bone supporting the teeth. In its early stages gum disease is not apparent to the patient. Just as high blood pressure is called " the silent killer", so is gum disease " the silent killer" of teeth. We’ve learned a great deal about gum disease in recent years and we are now able to diagnose it earlier and help patients get it under control much better than in the past.

Gum disease begins when plaque adheres at and below the visible edge of your gums. If plaque is not removed every day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar promotes a bacterial infection at the point of attachment. In these early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. Your gums may be a bit red but you may not notice anything. As gingivitis gets more serious, tiny pockets of infection form. Your gums may be puffy and may bleed a little when you brush but it is not painful. See similar questions...

Bleeding of the gums on brushing is usually an indication of gum inflammation. There may be associated bad breath and bad taste in the mouth. Some patients may experience small areas of acute inflammation around the gums (periodontal abscesses). See similar questions...

You may not know without coming in to see us. In early stages, you'll develop a bad taste in your mouth, bad breath, and gums that bleed when brushing and flossing. If ignored, it could progress and you could lose your teeth. Gum disease has also been linked with heart and stroke, diabetes, kidney disease, Crohn's disease, premature deliveries, and pre-eclampsia. See similar questions...

There are several reasons why patients develop serious gum disease. Although there may be some hereditary influence, the majority of gum problems result from controllable factors. Patients who have neglected regular home care like brushing and flossing, or who have failed to visit a dentist for professional cleaning, tartar removal and oral evaluation often develop signs of gum disease. See similar questions...

As it is often painless, many people may not know that they have gum disease. Some common signs include: bleeding gums, loose teeth, receding gums and bad breath. You may have only one sign. See similar questions...

The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gums can come loose and move throughout the body. The same bacteria that cause gum disease and irritate your gums might travel to your arteries. Researchers are unsure what causes the bacteria to become mobile, but it has been suggested that bacteria can be dislodged and enter the bloodstream during tasks as simple as brushing, flossing or even chewing. See similar questions...

While you are answering these questions, the dispatcher's partner is setting off the bells at the appropriate fire stations and getting help on the way. See similar questions...

Gum disease rarely hurts. In fact, sometimes the only sign of gum disease is when a patient notices a tooth has become loose or a bad taste develops in their mouth. At that point, it may be too late to save the tooth. Regular cleanings and check-ups are the key to discover these problems before they get too bad. See similar questions...

In the broadest sense, the term gum disease, or periodontal disease, describes bacterial growth and production of factors that gradually destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. "Periodontal" means "around the tooth." Gum disease begins with plaque, which is always forming on your teeth, without you even knowing it. If the plaque is not removed on a daily basis it will form tartar (also called calculus) which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause gum disease. See similar questions...