Identifying Gum Disease

Gum disease, periodontal disease, and gingivitis are all terms used to describe an infection in the gums that damages the soft tissue. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to permanent bone damage or even compete bone loss. Healthy gums are light pink and fit closely around teeth while infected gums can be bright red, bleed easily, loose around teeth, cause pain while chewing and more. If you believe you have gum disease, contact our Hyde Park office for an appointment. Our team of experts can help identify if any level of gum disease is present.

Determining if Gum Disease is Present

Identifying gum disease as early as possible is crucial to preventing bone and tooth loss. Regular dental care at home and visiting a dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleanings helps prevent gum disease. Visiting the dentist also provides an opportunity to identify gum disease in its earlier stages to prevent it from developing into something worse.

To determine if you have gum disease, and its severity, we will:

• Review your medical history. Certain risk factors, such as genetics, taking certain medications or smoking, can increase the likelihood of gum disease.
• Exam your teeth and gums. If you have severe plaque/tartar build up or your gums bleed easily are both indicators that disease is present.
• Measure gum pocket depth. We place a dental probe between your teeth and gums, throughout different areas within your mouth.
• Take x-rays of your mouth. Dental x-rays can reveal if you’ve suffered any bone loss in areas where deeper gum pocket depths are present.

Gum Pocket Depth

Your gum pocket depth helps us know if you have gum disease, and what type (if any disease is present).

• 1-3 mm is a healthy and normal gum pocket depth
• 3-5 mm is early or mild periodontitis
• 5-7 mm is moderate periodontitis
• 7-10 mm is advanced periodontitis

At Ace Dental Boston, in Hyde Park, MA we offer gum disease treatment for every stage of gum disease. Call our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment.