Gum disease - Dr. Bobby Jivnani

Gum Disease Treatments

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth.

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque (a sticky form of bacteria that forms on the teeth). If the plaque is not removed (by flossing, brushing, and regular dental checkups), it will continue to build up and create toxins that can damage the gums. Periodontal disease forms just below the gum line and creates small pockets that separate the gums from the teeth. Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.

Gingivitis — This is the early stage of gum disease, when the gums become red and swollen, and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is treatable and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis — If left untreated, gingivitis will advance into periodontitis, and the gums and bone that support the teeth will become seriously and irreversibly damaged. Gums infected with periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, fall out, or be removed by a dentist.

Certain factors can increase a patient's risk of developing periodontal disease, including:

Smoking or using chewing tobacco
Diabetes
Certain types of medication such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives
Bridges that no longer fit properly
Crooked teeth
Old fillings
Pregnancy

While it is possible to have periodontal disease and not know it, some symptoms can include:

Gums that bleed easily
Red, swollen, tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Pus between your teeth and gums
Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Any change in the fit of partial dentures

Treating Gum Disease

Treatments for gum disease can vary depending on the severity of each individual case. Typical treatments include:

Non-surgical treatments such as at-home periodontal trays, and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
Periodontal surgery and laser gum surgery
Dental implants

Preventing Gum Disease

Regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are important for maintaining your health and the health of your smile. You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease, and by practicing good oral hygiene at home, you can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting gum disease. Remember to brush regularly, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits to help keep your smile healthy.

Why Choose Dr. Jivnani?

From offering more procedures and capabilities than nearly any practice in the area to some of the top reviews and friendliest staff who are here to make your visit enjoyable, we pride ourselves in setting the standard for how dental should be done everywhere.

“Dr. Jivnani is a perfectionist and I wouldn’t want to see anyone else now. His impeccable and precise hand, attention to detail and his insistence on making patients completely happy with his work are all rare standards in dental these days. Now that I’ve gotten used to this level of care, I can confidently say, now I know what standard the rest should have. Obviously I recommend Dr. Jivnani to all of my friends and family.” – DC, Plano, TX

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