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.
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.
So Gingival Recession is a condition where our gum tissue retreats up the root of our teeth so exposing more teeth and often that makes a space between our teeth and we call those black triangles. Most dentists don’t know and you know very few patients know that you can fix those spaces by the gum line that is caused by that Gingival recession with a simple procedure utilizing cosmetic dental bonding so we can add this material on the sides of the teeth so it seamlessly fills in the space and closes that black triangle. It is very non-invasive and inexpensive and it makes a nice result for patients they really appreciate it!
Treatments for gum disease can vary depending on the severity of each individual case. Typical treatments include:
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.