Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the gums and supporting structures of teeth. It begins with plaque buildup, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth when proper oral hygiene is not maintained. If plaque is not removed through daily brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which cannot be eliminated with regular brushing alone. 

As tartar builds up along and beneath the gumline, it can result in symptoms such as redness, swelling, bleeding, and persistent bad breath. If left untreated, gum disease can cause problems like gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

At Hampden Ave Dental, we prioritize preventive care to help you maintain strong, healthy gums. Our proactive approach ensures that you receive personalized care to prevent, diagnose, and manage gum disease effectively.

Gums are the soft tissues that surround and support your teeth, keeping them securely in place. Gum disease, periodontal disease, or periodontitis is an infection of your gums that can eventually damage the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth.

In its early stages, gum disease begins when bacteria accumulate in your mouth, often due to inadequate brushing, flossing, or rinsing. When food particles and bacteria mix, they form plaque—a sticky, colorless film that clings to your teeth. 

As plaque builds up, it produces harmful acids that erode tooth enamel and contribute to decay. In time, plaque hardens into tartar, which collects along the gumline and becomes difficult to remove with regular brushing.

As tartar accumulates, it traps bacteria beneath the gums, leading to irritation, swelling, and infection. Without proper treatment, the condition worsens, causing gum recession, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss.

Gum disease has four stages. It starts with mild swelling and redness of the gums and can gradually lead to bone damage and tooth loss.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is often reversible with good oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings. Common symptoms include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away

At this stage, bacteria have moved beneath the gumline, beginning to affect the bone that supports your teeth. Your gums may start to pull away, creating pockets around the teeth where plaque and bacteria accumulate. 

Since these pockets are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing, the infection continues to progress unless you have a professional dental intervention.

Common symptoms of mild periodontitis may include:

• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
• Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
• Gum pockets form around teeth, trapping bacteria

If mild periodontitis is not treated, bacteria continue to erode the gums, ligaments, and bones that keep your teeth stable. 

Signs of moderate periodontitis may include:

• Pain or tenderness in the gums
• Pus around the gum line, signaling infection
• Persistent bad breath 
• Further gum recession

At this stage, professional dental care is essential to prevent further damage and tooth loss.

This is the most severe stage of gum disease. As periodontal disease worsens, it can cause significant bone loss, leading to loose or shifting teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. Advanced intervention is often required at this stage, and we may refer you to our specialist for surgical treatment if necessary.

The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of dental plaque. However, several factors can increase your risk of developing gum disease.

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing, flossing, and skipping professional cleanings allow plaque and bacteria to build up, leading to gum inflammation and infection.
• Smoking & Tobacco Use: Tobacco weakens the immune system and reduces blood flow to the gums, making it harder for your body to fight infections and heal properly.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can weaken your body’s ability to fight infections, making diabetics more prone to gum disease. 
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus affect the immune system’s ability to respond to infections, increasing the risk of gum disease.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, and hormonal fluctuations can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
• Medications: Some medications, such as antihypertensives, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can reduce saliva flow, leading to dry mouth and increasing the risk of bacterial buildup.

Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive steps to protect your gum health. At Hampden Ave Dental, we provide personalized guidance and preventive oral care to help keep your gums strong and healthy.

We use a thorough diagnostic approach to detect gum disease early. This is why regular dental checkups are incredibly important. 

During your exam, our provider will:

• Visually assess your gums for signs of inflammation or recession
• Measure gum pocket depth to determine the severity of gum detachment
• Take digital X-rays to check for bone loss around your teeth

This comprehensive dental examination helps us catch gum disease early, ensuring prompt treatment and better outcomes for your oral health.

Various treatment options are available for gum disease, depending on the severity of your condition. At Hampden Ave Dental, we consider the following factors for your treatment: 

• Your overall health
• Whether you smoke
• Previous treatments you’ve had

Our team offers personalized treatment based on the stage of your gum disease, ensuring the best possible care for your oral health. 

• Professional Dental Cleanings: Regular cleanings help remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing your risk of gum disease. We recommend professional cleanings every six months or more frequently if you are at higher risk.
• Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning): For patients with early-stage gum disease, we offer scaling and root planing services. This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes tartar below the gumline and smoothens the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth.
• Antibacterial Therapy: We may recommend prescription mouthwashes or localized antibiotics to help control bacterial growth and reduce infection.

While we provide comprehensive gum disease management, advanced cases may require specialized treatment, such as gum grafting or periodontal surgery. When necessary, we can refer patients to our trusted specialist, Dr. Konstantinos Harogiannis, at our sister clinic for the appropriate care. Dr. Harogiannis specializes in advanced gum disease treatment, providing expert surgical and periodontal care for complex cases to ensure the best possible outcomes.

The best way to fight gum disease is through proactive prevention. We advise you to follow these steps to protect your gums:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
• Get regular dental checkups and cleanings
• Avoid tobacco products and limit sugary foods
• Stay hydrated to promote saliva production and wash away bacteria

At Hampden Ave Dental, we offer preventive care services to help you keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease from taking hold.

At Hampden Ave Dental, we take a personalized approach to gum disease treatment, focusing on prevention, early detection, and effective care. 

Whether you're looking to manage the early signs of gum disease or need more advanced treatment, our expert team can help. We prioritize preventive care and use the latest diagnostic tools to help you maintain healthy gums and a confident smile.

To schedule a consultation for gum disease, please call us at 303-985-1263 or request an appointment online.