The official term of gum disease is Periodontal Disease. It can occur throughout almost any age but is most commonly found in middle-aged adults. Certain factors make a person higher risk, such as tobacco use, not brushing or flossing two times a day, not getting regular dental cleanings the recommended two times per year or diseases or health conditions that alter the body’s immune response.
Gum disease (Periodontal Disease) is a condition in which the gums and bone are damaged by bacteria and deteriorate over time. The disease is concerning because there are usually no symptoms or warning signs to the individual.
The bacteria irritate the gingiva and the bone. The gingiva and bone react by deteriorating away without any sensations. Eventually, if untreated, you can lose so much bone that your teeth are not supported. They become mobile and eventually can actually fall out!
There is no official cure for Periodontal Disease. The trick is to adjust habits, home care, and receive treatment to halt the process, once the proper changes are made to halt the process, the patient continues that level of care to maintain their teeth indefinitely. The condition is not considered to be “cured”, because we have found that if the patient falls back into old habits and routines, the disease process will resume.