If you have gums that are red, swollen, inflamed or bad breath, you may have gum disease.  According to the Center for Disease Control, half of all Americans have periodontal disease.  Some contributing factors to periodontal disease include; lack of oral hygiene, smoking, and diabetes.  Fortunately, periodontal disease is treatable.  The early stages of periodontal disease is called gingivitis.  Gingivitis is when only the soft tissue is affected.  Luckily, gingivitis is reversible.  Periodontitis is more advanced than gingivitis, involving soft tissue as well as bone loss.  Unfortunately, bone that has been resorbed due to periodontal disease will not grow back.  Patients with periodontitis will need root planning and scaling, removing the calculus from the deep pockets found below your gum line.  If periodontal disease is left untreated, tooth loss will be inevitable.  If you are concerned you may have periodontal disease, call Bomstad Dental to have your mouth evaluated.  … [Read more...]