Gum Disease is More Than Just Gums

Have you ever told you that you have inflamed gums (gingivitis) or gum disease, but you feel that your condition persists even though you continue to have regular cleanings?  If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.  Most adults are not aware that they have periodontitis, since there is usually very little or no pain associated with it. 

The Difference between Gingivitis and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, bleeding, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums.  You should know that healthy gums should never bleed.  Bleeding is a sign of inflammation and a signal that your gums are not healthy. 

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth.  As the inflammation present in gingivitis becomes more severe, its progression to periodontitis can cause loss of bone around teeth and gum recession.  Periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults   The inflammation and infection associated with periodontitis has also been associated with persistent bad breath and growing evidence has linked periodontitis to other chronic inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic respiratory infections and other serious health problems.  We now know that some individuals are genetically susceptible to periodontitis as well as some of these other chronic inflammatory diseases.

If you are concerned that your gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, Dr. Clem and Dr. Yen will be able to better evaluate your current condition and guide you with which options are available to restore your periodontal and overall health.