Gum Disease

What is gum disease?

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Gum disease is a silent condition commonly associated with smoking, diabetes and some other systemic conditions. It may be painless and progress slowly, and as such may not be discovered until large amounts of destruction have occurred. Although bleeding gums can be a sign of gum disease, this may sometimes not occur, especially if you are a smoker. The disease occurs when the teeth lose bony support from the jaw in reaction to factors such as cigarette smoke and changes in blood supply due to systemic conditions. If unaddressed, looseness, drifting and mobility of the teeth can occur with eventual tooth loss. Regular check-ups can identify the presence of gum disease and early treatment can prevent loss of teeth.