Find a selection of consumer information dental books at America's Dental Bookstore.

Treating and preventing gum disease

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. When teeth get large cavities, when they break or get infected, we can get this fixed and avoid extracting a tooth. When you have advanced periodontitis, sometimes there is nothing you can do to save a tooth.

Gum disease progresses from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis:

	Mild gingivitis - the gum tissue is inflamed. Almost everyone has some mild gingivitis somewhere in their mouth. It's characterized by red or swollen gums that may tend to bleed.
	Generalized, severe gingivitis - mild gingivitis progresses to involve almost the entire mouth. The gums bleed easily. While this form of gum disease is of some concern and needs to be treated to prevent it from becoming a more severe gum disease, at this point it is completely reversible.
	Early periodontitis - If gingivitis is allowed to progress unchecked, it progresses to periodontitis. The main difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that in periodontitis, the supporting structures of the teeth are affected. Attachment between the tooth and the gum begins to be destroyed and the bone that supports the teeth begins to deteriorate. The destruction by this type of gum disease is not reversible, but it is also not yet serious.
	Moderate periodontitis - When it progresses to moderate periodontitis, the destruction has become more severe. At this point, the teeth may begin to feel a little loose.
	Advanced periodontitis - In advanced periodontitis the teeth become very loose. One-third or more of the bone support of the teeth may be lost. Teeth may even begin to become so loose that they fall out. It may well be too late to treat at this point, and treatment options may come down to removable dentures or implants.

Other gum disease topics:

	Loose teeth and gum disease
	Bleeding gums as a sign of gum disease
	How to prevent gum disease
	Gum disease and mouthwashes
	Pregnancy and gum disease
	Epilepsy and gum disease. Patients who suffer from epilepsy are often given prescriptions of Dilantin to control seizures. A side effect of Dilantin is that the gums become inflamed and swell. This condition is called Dilantin Hyperplasia.
	Gum surgery
	Laser gum treatments
	What is a "pocket?"