Prevention
Gum disease is preventable with regular dental care. On initial and recall visits the dentist and/or hygienist should probe for gum pockets of 4 millimeter or greater depth and record 6 different gum probe measurements per tooth on the patient's chart. Also teeth mobility, gum recession and bleeding on probing should be checked and recorded as a baseline for later comparison at subsequent visits. Full mouth xrays should be done initially and repeated every 3 to 5 years supplemented with annual bite wings. Periodontal bone loss is detectable on xrays which may indicate consultation with a periodontal disease specialist called a periodontist. Gum surgery may be necessary to rebuild or repair lost bone with bone grafts to prevent premature tooth loss. Untreated or inadequately treated periodontal disease usually progresses and causes teeth loss and/or gum abscesses.