Periodontal issues, commonly known as gum disease, are typically treated through a combination of non-surgical and surgical methods, depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, known as gingivitis, treatment usually involves a thorough professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and below the gum line. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to further reduce bacterial infection and inflammation.

Gingivitis occurs when plaque is allowed to build up around a tooth and create a sticky layer which causes a gum infection. If you look in your mouth you will see redness, swelling and bleeding of the gum around your tooth. Periodontitis occurs in susceptible patients when a long-term gum infection is not treated. Infection and resultant inflammation lead to the loss of ligaments and bone around the root of your tooth.

Factors which significantly increase the risk of developing periodontitis include:

• Genetics

• Smoking

• Diabetes

• Medications (certain anti-seizure, blood pressure, and immunosuppressant medications)

• Stress

• Poor Oral Hygiene

Periodontal disease is a term describing infection of the tissues which surround a tooth. There are two types of periodontal disease: ‘gingivitis’ is an infection and inflammation of the gums around the neck of a tooth whereas ‘periodontitis’ is an infection of the ligament and bone surrounding the root of a tooth.