1. What is Periodontal (gum) disease?

   Periodontitis affects around half the population to a varying degree, and about 10% of people are susceptible to a severe form of the disease which is more likely to cause loss of teeth.
   
   Periodontitis is a chronic disease caused by bacteria which accumulate on the tooth surface and form dental plaque. If not effectively removed by toothbrushing and flossing, the bacteria will induce inflammation in the gums of susceptible people. This inflammation causes irreversible damage to the gums and bone which can eventually lead to tooth loss.

2. What are the risk factors for gum disease?

   You may be at risk of gum disease if one of these factors apply to you (1) tobacco and alcohol use, (2) family history of periodontal (gum) disease, (3) systemic diseases such as diabetes, (4) decreased immunity, (5) poor oral home care, and (6) history of periodontal (gum) disease. Moreover, certain medications such as anti-epilepsy drugs and calcium channel blockers (used to control high blood pressure) may also increase the risk of gum problems. 
   
   Although some risk factors cannot be controlled, other risk factors can be modified to limit the risk of periodontal (gum) disease.

3. What is a periodontist?

   A periodontist is a specialist dentist who has completed 5 years at dental school, and after a period in general dental practice has undertaken a further 3 years postgraduate training in periodontology and implant dentistry.

4. How can a dental hygienist help me?

   A dental hygienist is a registered oral health care professional who has been trained in providing oral health care advice, and scaling and polishing of teeth. A dental hygienist guides patients’ personal care to help maintain healthy periodontal tissues as an integral part of their periodontal maintenance treatment. Dental hygienists work under the clinical guidance of the periodontist.

5. How is periodontal disease treated?

   If caught early, periodontitis can be successfully treated. The chronic nature of periodontitis means that it cannot be cured; instead, we aim for long-term control of the disease and prevention of active disease recurrence. 
   
   Management of periodontitis involves a thorough evaluation of the teeth and gums, improving daily plaque removal techniques (toothbrushing, flossing, and use of interdental brushes) and professional debridement (scaling) of the teeth and root surfaces. This will be performed by the periodontist and may involve several appointments, often under local anesthetic. In some situations, periodontal (gum) surgery is necessary to allow thorough root surface debridement. 
   
   Treatment of periodontal disease is a partnership between clinician and patient. To obtain a good result after treatment it is important to maintain a high level of plaque control and to attend regular periodontal maintenance appointments. This is a lifelong commitment.

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