Gum Disease

The second most common cause of toothache is gum disease or periodontal disease. Gum disease refers to inflammation of the soft tissue, i.e. the gingival, and abnormal loss of bone that surrounds and holds the teeth in place. Gum disease is caused by toxins secreted by certain bacteria in “plaque” that accumulate over time along and under the gum line. This plaque is a mixture of food, saliva, and bacteria. An early symptom of gum disease is gum bleeding without pain. Pain is a symptom of more advanced gum disease as the loss of bone around the teeth leads to the formation of deep gum pockets. Bacteria in these pockets cause gum infection, swelling, pain, and further bone destruction. Advanced gum disease can cuse loss of otherwise healthy teeth. Gum disease is complicated by such factors as poor oral hygiene, family history of gum disease, smoking, and family history of diabetes.

Treatment of gum disease always involves oral hygiene and removal of bacterial plaque and tartar which is hardened plaque. Moderate to advanced gum disease usually requires a thorough cleaning of the teeth and teeth roots called “scaling and root planning” and “sub-gingival curettage”. Scaling and root planning is the removal of plaque and tartar from exposed teeth roots while sub-gingival curettage refers to the removal of the surface of the inflamed layer of gum tissue. Both of these procedures are usually performed under local anaesthesia and may be accompanied by the use of oral antibiotics to overcome gum infection or abscess. Follow-up treatment, if necessary, may include various types of gum operations. In advanced gum disease with significant bone destruction and loosening of teeth, teeth splinting or teeth extractions may be necessary.