| The two main forms of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontal
disease. Both are caused by the bacteria formation on the gum line
known as plaque.
Plaque is created by a combination of food particles and
bacteria that sticks to teeth and gums.
In small amounts plaque can be removed by adequate amounts of brushing and flossing but in large
amounts it can lead to the formation of another substance called tartar
and tartar can lead to tooth decay and the destruction of other tooth
support systems.
Gingivitis is relatively benign in comparison to
periodontal disease. This infection of the gums just causes the gums to
bleed and be sore.
However, once periodontal disease sets in, the gums
begin to withdraw themselves from the teeth and appear to make the
teeth longer.
The dentist must perform special techniques called
scaling and root planing to clean the tartar from the tooth and below
the gum line of the tooth.
Sometimes pieces of bone need to be replaced
below the gum line to undo the damage that the tartar has caused.
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