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.

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.

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.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue. It is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life. Periodontal diseases include gingivitis and periodontitis.

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.

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.

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.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. Each stage is characterised by what a dentist sees and feels in your mouth, and by what's happening under your gum line. Although gingivitis usually precedes periodontitis, it's important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis. In the early stage of gingivitis, the gums can become red and swollen and bleed easily, often during tooth brushing.

During a periodontal exam, your gums are checked for bleeding, swelling, and firmness. The teeth are checked for movement and sensitivity. Your bite is assessed. Full-mouth X-rays can help detect breakdown of bone surrounding your teeth. Periodontal probing determines the severity of your disease. A probe is like a tiny ruler that is gently inserted into pockets around teeth. The deeper the pocket, the more severe the disease.

Very. According to Dr Peter Lavelle of the ABC, gum disease is the fifth most common health condition in Australia. Gum disease can progress quite painlessly until you have a real problem. That's why it is so important to prevent gum disease before it becomes serious. Chairman of the ADA's Oral Health Education Committee, Dr Don Wilson said that 90% of tooth loss could be attributed to tooth decay or gum disease which meant it was preventable.

Brush twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time and floss daily. If you're not sure whether you're brushing or flossing properly, your dentist or dental hygienist can show you the best techniques. Always brush with toothpaste that contains fluoride. Daily mouth rinses containing fluoride are also recommended. Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less likely to irritate or injure gum tissue.

Gum disease ( periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection that occurs below the gum line and is caused by specific bacteria. If we do not brush and floss effectively and/or frequently enough the bacteria accumulate along the gum line. As the bacteria accumulate they cause the gum tissue to become inflamed. This condition is known as gingivitis and is the non-destructive form of gum disease. If untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, the destructive form of gum disease.

Treatment for gum disease depends on what type and what extent of gum disease a patient has. There are two types of gum disease. Gingivitis, the non-destructive type of gum disease, usually only requires a thorough cleaning. More severe cases of gingivitis may include heavy calcified plaque build-up requiring debridement prior to the cleaning. Treatment may require two appointments.

Smoking may be responsible for almost 75% of periodontal 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.