What Is Gum Disease
Gum disease is a group of conditions that affect the tissues supporting your teeth, primarily the gums and the bone beneath them. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along the gumline and causes inflammation.
The two most common forms of gum disease are: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mild, reversible early stage, while periodontitis is the more advanced stage that can damage the bone and lead to tooth loss.
Type of Gum Diseases
1. Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)
At its early stage, bacteria in plaque build-up, causing the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushing.
Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.
Without proper treatment, this may progress into periodontitis.
2. Periodontitis
In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets as a result of further gum inflammation.
As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.
When this happens, your teeth become loose and eventually drops off.
As such, periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
What are the Risk Factors that Contribute to Gum Disease?
Plaque, a bacterial film that builds up on teeth, is the primary cause of gum disease. Several other factors can increase your risk:
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, or menstruation, which make gums more sensitive
- Illnesses such as cancer or HIV that weaken the immune system, and diabetes, which increases the risk of infection including periodontal disease
- Medications that reduce saliva flow, or certain drugs (such as anticonvulsants or angina medication) that cause abnormal gum tissue growth
- Smoking, which slows the gums' ability to repair themselves
- Poor oral hygiene, including inconsistent brushing and flossing
- Family history of gum or dental disease
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Gum disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. The symptoms of gum disease include:
- Gum Infection
- Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
- Red, swollen gums. Healthy gums should be pink and firm.
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures
Even if you don't notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. In some people, gum disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. Only a dentist or a periodontist can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.
Gum Disease Treatment Cost
Treatment costs depend on the severity of your condition and the type of cleaning required. Below is our pricing:
| Service | Description | Price Range |
| Regular Scaling and Polishing | Removes plaque and tartar for gingivitis | $70 – $120 |
| Stain Removal | Removes surface stains from coffee, tea, or smoking | $35 – $50 |
| Deep Cleaning (Per Tooth) | Ultrasonic scaling below the gumline for periodontitis | From $50 |
| Deep Cleaning (Per Quadrant) | Full quadrant deep cleaning for periodontitis | $100 – $250 |
MediSave can be used to offset selected periodontal treatments. Speak to our team to check your eligibility.