Periodontics and Gum Disease

Prevent and Treat Gum Disease

Periodontics is related to that field of dentistry related to gum disease. Half of all teeth lost is accounted for with gum disease in addition to half the teeth lost due to tooth decay.

Periodontal disease is caused by the presence of bacterial colonies (dental plaque) remaining around the necks of teeth that causes inflammation of the gums. If the inflammation is confined to just the gums, we call it gingivitis. In 15-20% of patients the inflammation spreads to the bone supporting the roots. Gradual loss of bone in susceptible patients results in gum recession and looseness of the teeth. The disease is usually pain free and can go unrecognised for some time. Upper front teeth can become so loose that they migrate forward with the development of gaps between the teeth.

Periodontal therapy includes establishing optimum daily tooth cleaning and scaling.

If you have noticed these events, you may benefit from being referred to a Periodontist who is a Specialist trained to treat gum disease. Toby Talbot is a recognised Specialist in Periodontics.