Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is normally painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.
The sooner you treat gum disease the better. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning followed by daily brushing and flossing.
There are many successful treatment options available for gum disease of any stage – losing teeth doesn’t have to be an option. Our dental professionals will help decide which method of treatment is best for you, getting you your smile back to the way it once was.