The longer plaque and tartar stay on the teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums called "gingivitis". The gums become red and bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and can be reversed by regular cleaning by a dentist.The longer plaque and tartar stay on the teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums called "gingivitis". The gums become red and bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and can be reversed by regular cleaning by a dentist. PERIODONTITIS If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. In this condition, the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called pockets)that become infected. If not treated, the bone that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and may have to be removed. HOW TO IDENTIFY GUM DISEASES

• »Bad breath that wont go away
• »Red/swollen gums
• »Tender/bleeding gums
• »Painful chewing
• »Loose teeth
• »Sensitive teeth
• »Receding gums/longer appearing teeth

HOW ARE GUM DISEASES TREATED? The main goal of the treatment is to control the infection. The type of treatemnt will vary depending upon the extent of the gum disease. All types of treatment require the patient to maintain good daily care at home. Various procedures used to treat gum disease are:- DEEP CLEANING (SCALING AND ROOT PLANING) In this procedure, the dentist scrapes off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. SURGICAL TREATMENTS 1) FLAP SURGERY - Surgery might be necessary if inflammation and deep pockets remain following treatemnt with with deep cleaning methods and/or medications. This common surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place,so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again. 2) BONE AND TISSUE GRAFTS - In addition to flap surgery,the dentist may suggest procedures to help regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis. Bone grafting in which natural or synthetic bone is placed in the area of bone loss,can help promote bone growth.In cases where soft tissue has been lost,a soft tissue graft may be used,in which synthetic material or tissue,taken from another area of your mouth is used to cover exposed tooth roots. Since each case is different,it is not possible to predict with certainity,which graft will be successful over the long term.Treatment depends upon many things,including how far the disease process has progressed,how well the patient keeps up with oral care at home and ceratin risk factors such as smoking which may lower the chances of success.Ask your dentist what the level of success might be in your case. The above mentioned procedures are minor surgical procedures done in the dental clinic with a local anesthetic. POST SURGICAL CARE Some soreness is normal is normal on the first day or so after the surgery.Many persons ,however, have little discomfort.Some patients complain of sensitivity to hot and cold foods after the surgery.This is caused by exposure of more of the tooth root surface and may last for a shirt period of time. Excellent home care is strict requirement and a small number of post-operative visits are insisted upon to ensure frequent and complete removal of bacteria.