Moderate Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, produces a swelling of the gums around your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, the sticky colorless film that forms on your teeth. The bacteria inflame the gums. If periodontal disease is not treated, it can lead to tooth loss, the need for gum surgery and even such life threatening conditions as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases.

Detection

• You may notice that your gums are red and swollen and may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Your teeth may have changed position in recent years and you may notice a different "feel" when you bite down.

  Regular visits to a dentist are essential for protecting your teeth and oral health. In addition to X-rays and treatment for dental cavities and other problems with the teeth themselves, your dentist should also screen you for oral cancer and periodontal disease. He will examine your gums and measure the "pockets," or spaces between your teeth and surrounding gums, to determine if you have periodontal disease and if so, what stage it is in.

Stages

• When your gums are healthy, they are pink and fit tightly to your teeth. The pockets measure no more than 3 mm deep.

  Periodontal disease occurs in four stages, starting with gingivitis. Your gums will feel tender and you may see some bleeding when you brush your teeth. The gums are sensitive to the touch. You may notice a bad taste in your mouth and you may have bad breath that doesn't respond to mouthwash. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to moderate and ultimately advanced periodontal disease.

  In early-stage periodontitis, your gums start to pull away from the teeth and your periodontist may find pockets of 3 to 4 mm in one or two areas of your mouth.

  The next stage is moderate periodontal disease or periodontitis. The gums pull away further from the teeth.

  In the most advanced stage of periodontitis, the fibers and bone holding your teeth in place are destroyed. Your teeth may shift position and become loose. You may have constant bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth. The roots may be exposed and sensitive, and teeth may need to be removed.

Moderate Periodontal Disease

• In a moderate case of periodontal disease, plaque spreads to the roots of your teeth and causes an infection that can damage the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. Your gums seem to be receding from your teeth, exposing sensitive areas and making your teeth appear longer. Plaque can move toward the roots, the supporting fibers and the bone. The pockets between your teeth and gums measure from 4 to 6 mm deep.

  You may develop painful gum boils or abscesses. Your front teeth may actually drift, gradually overlapping or showing spaces.

  If left untreated, moderate periodontal disease can deteriorate into the advanced stage, leading to tooth loss and surgery.

Treatment

• A professional cleaning and treatment by a periodontist or gum disease specialist is the only way to remove the plaque that has hardened into tartar. Your dental professional may scale your teeth, using an instrument to remove tartar and plaque below the gum line.

  A recent addition to the treatment of moderate periodontal disease is the application of an antibiotic to reduce disease-causing infection.

Home Care

• Professional treatment every three months is recommended to maintain successful periodontal therapy and to prevent the recurrence of inflammation. Your periodontist may also recommend a home care program that includes anti-sensitivity toothpaste, mouthwash, and brushing twice a day with a power toothbrush, such as Rota-dent, to clean under the gum line and between your teeth.