Periodontal disease (otherwise known as gum disease) is an oral health condition that causes the gum line to become inflamed. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss. Here are the risk factors for, and symptoms of gum disease, as well as some of the methods used to treat it.

The risk factors for gum disease.

Poor oral hygiene is one of the biggest risk factors for periodontal disease; failing to brush and floss regularly can lead to an accumulation of bacterial plaque along the gum line which, if left for too long, will cause inflammation. However, there are several other things which can also increase a person's chances of developing this condition.

Changes in the body's hormone levels which occur at various stages of life (for example, during pregnancy) can put a person at risk of getting periodontal disease, as can smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco. Stress is another known risk factor for this condition; if a person suffers from chronic stress, this can create inflammation in their body which, in turn, can make it harder for their immune system to fight off conditions such as gingivitis (i.e., early-stage gum disease).

The symptoms of gum disease

Gum disease does not always cause obvious symptoms, particularly during its earliest stages. However, as it progresses, it can cause tender and swollen gums, which bleed easily when a person brushes or flosses their teeth. Those who have this condition may also find that their gums begin to pull back from their teeth (this is known as a receding gum line) and that they have chronic bad breath which is not improved by good oral hygiene. At its most advanced stage, periodontal disease can result in loose teeth and large sores on the gums.

Methods used to treat this condition

If the disease is diagnosed during its early stages, its progress can often be halted and reversed by a combination of a more thorough and consistent oral hygiene routine, and a professional cleaning performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. However, in instances where the disease has progressed quite far and as a result, has caused oral health complications, the patient may be referred to a dental professional who specialises in periodontics (that is, someone who treats disorders and diseases of the gums).

One of the most common treatments that periodontists use to address advanced gum disease is scaling and root planing. This is essentially a deep clean for a person's teeth and gums. It involves removing the tartar and plaque from above and below the patient's gum line, before smoothing out the roots of their teeth, to stop bacterial plaque from accumulating in these areas again. This deep-cleaning process encourages the healing and reattachment of inflamed sections of the gum.