Gum disease is a common problem, which causes the gums to become inflamed and sore. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and advanced gum disease is called periodontal disease or periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, which causes bleeding gums, sore gums and inflammation. Gingivitis is very common and it can usually be treated very effectively if diagnosed early. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it will progress into periodontitis, which is much more difficult to treat. Most people experience mild gum disease at some point in their lives, but the condition is largely preventable.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease, which causes pockets to develop amid the teeth and the gums, which makes the teeth come loose and eventually fall out. These pockets can also become breeding grounds for bacteria and abscess may start to develop. Periodontitis does not just affect the gums, it also affects the surrounding structures, including the alveolar bone and the periodontal ligament, which connects the tooth to the tooth socket in the alveolar bone.
Treating gum disease
Root planing and scaling, teamed with good oral hygiene, is usually an effective treatment in the City of Leeds for mild cases of gum disease, however, advanced cases of gum disease are much more difficult to treat. In cases of severe gum disease, surgery to remove the tooth may be the only option.
Tags: City of Leeds, Periodontal cleaning, Periodontal cleaning City of Leeds, Planing and scaling
