Periodontal or gum disease refers to inflammation and infection in the tissues that support the teeth. Over half the population in the country lives with some form of this condition. In its earliest stages, it is known as gingivitis. If left untreated, it may progress to mild, moderate, or advanced periodontitis, which may cause bone and teeth loss. It is important to know the common signs and causes of gum disease and manage the condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
Symptoms of periodontal disease may affect the gums and teeth. These may include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gums that bleed easily
• Spitting out blood after brushing or flossing teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Gums that pull away from the teeth
• Loose or sensitive teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Persistent bad breath

What causes gum disease?
Most frequently, cases of gum disease begin with the buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film-like deposit mainly made of bacteria. This plaque hardens into tartar or calculus. Over time, this could advance to gingivitis and periodontitis. Some factors that may increase the risk of periodontal disease include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, scleroderma, and Crohn’s Disease
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
• Stress
• Genetics
• Heart disease

What are the treatment options for gum disease?
Depending on the severity of the condition and one’s overall health, any of the following treatment options may be recommended by one’s dentist:

• Dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene
  Routine dental cleaning and good oral hygiene practices can help reverse the damage caused by plaque in the early stages (gingivitis). Good oral hygiene practices include brushing two to three times a day, flossing daily, and keeping up regular appearances with the dentist.
• Scaling and root planing
  Similar to dental cleaning, this procedure allows the dentist to clean deeper beneath the gums to remove plaque and bacteria. This treatment option is recommended for people with mild gum disease.
• Pocket reduction surgery
  In the later stages of gum disease, dentists may recommend pocket reduction or osseous surgery, wherein an incision or a flap is made to remove plaque and tartar from deep underneath the gums. Post-cleaning, this “pocket” is stitched back together.
• Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)
  An alternative to pocket reduction surgery, LANAP treats gum disease using a handheld laser. This process leaves more healthy tissue intact.
• Bone grafting
  In cases where one has lost bone to gum disease, a dental bone graft may be recommended. In this procedure, the bone grafting material is placed in the affected area. This allows the body time to regenerate its bone.
• Gum grafting
  For those who have lost gum to periodontal disease, gum graft surgery may be required. Here, the exposed teeth roots are covered and some thickness is added to the gum line.
• Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
  GTR may be used in combination with bone grafting. This procedure helps repair areas where the bone is broken down and prevents soft tissue from growing in these areas.
• Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
  PRF and PRP are obtained from a sample of one’s blood, and then put through a centrifuge. This is applied to the affected area to speed up healing and tissue regeneration.