Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Dr. Alvin Jenkins
    • Dr. Emily Stopper
    • Meet The Team
    • Blog
  • New Patients
    • Office Visits
    • Financial Information
    • Patient Forms
    • Dental FAQs
    • Testimonials
    • Patient Education
      • Educational Videos
      • Cosmetic & General Dentistry
      • Emergency Care
      • Endodontics
      • Implant Dentistry
      • Oral Health
      • Oral Hygiene
      • Oral Surgery
      • Orthodontics
      • Pediatric Dentistry
      • Periodontal Therapy
      • Technology
  • General Dentistry
    • Common Procedures
    • Preventive Care
    • Gum Disease
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Periodontal Treatments
    • Orthodontics
    • Sedation Dentistry
    • TMJ-TMD
    • Emergency Dental Care
    • Sleep Apnea
    • Intraoral Camera
  • Dental Services
    • Digital X-rays
    • Laser Dentistry
    • Oral Cancer Screening
    • CAD/CAM
    • CEREC®
  • Implant
    • Dental Implants
    • Implant Services
    • Implant-Supported Dentures
    • Mini Implants
  • Invisalign®
    • Invisalign® Info
    • Invisalign Teen® Info
    • Invisalign® Costs
    • Invisalign® FAQs
    • Invisalign® Testimonials
    • Invisalign® Videos
    • Invisalign® Before & After
  • TruDenta®
    • TruDenta® Headache Relief
    • TruDenta® Testimonials
    • Headache Symptoms and Causes
    • TruDenta® FAQs
    • TruDenta® Costs
  • Contact Us
    • West Jefferson Office Location
    • Appointment Request
    • Post-Appointment Survey
Round Tooth Logo

(336) 246-8888

Our Location

Gum Disease

periodontitis

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums surrounding your teeth. Gum disease is one of the top reasons for tooth loss in adults, and because it is virtually pain-free, many patients do not know they have the disease. During each regular checkup, your dentist will check for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the space between your teeth and gums.

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.

More Topics

  • Common Procedures
  • Preventive Care
  • Gum Disease
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Periodontal Treatments
  • Orthodontics
  • Sedation Dentistry
  • TMJ-TMD
  • Emergency Dental Care
  • Sleep Apnea

Contact Us

Send Us an Email

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Mountain Town Dental

Monday:

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:00 AM-4:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 AM-4:00 PM

Friday:

8:00 AM-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2019 MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite.
  • Admin Log In
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Health Disclaimer
  • Cookie Policy
  • ACA Notices
  • Site Map