Do you know that your gum health is just as important as your teeth health? Don’t let gum disease ruin your smile! Gum disease can lead to serious problems. However, gum disease is preventable, So it is very important to know more about the various gum diseases and take proper steps to prevent them.
Let’s learn some things about gum disease and its prevention. We’ll tell you why and how you can care for your gums to keep them healthy!
What Is Gum Disease?
In the past few decades, gum disease has risen to epidemic levels and is the number one reason for tooth loss. Gum disease is a serious oral health problem/bacterial infection in which the gums and tissues surrounding and supporting your teeth and jaw bones become infected, leading to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Gum disease can cause your teeth to become loose, decayed, or stained. It can also make your teeth sensitive. However, gum disease is preventable and treatable. Brushing your teeth and flossing daily to remove the food particles that might build up between your teeth is important.
There are two main types of gum disease:
Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a milder form of the disease and can be reversed with good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that needs professional help to be reversed.
What Causes Gum Disease (Periodontitis)?
There are many factors that can contribute to gum disease. However, the most common cause of gum disease is gingivitis (an inflammation of the gums), which is an early stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is usually caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria (tiny organisms that live in your mouth), and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it can harden and turn into tartar (calculus). Tartar is a hard substance that forms when plaque hardens and combines with saliva and minerals from the teeth. The main purpose of tartar is to prevent proper gum development. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. If not removed, it can cause inflammation, and Ongoing gum inflammation can cause periodontitis.
Periodontal disease causes the gums to separate from the teeth and develops pockets between the teeth and gums that fill with plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Over time, these pockets fill with more bacteria. If you don’t get these infections diagnosed and treated quickly, they can lead to serious infections that cause teeth, tissue, and jaw bone loss. Also, ongoing inflammation can make it harder for your immune system to fight off illnesses.
There are many other Factors that can cause gum disease. Including:
- Bad habits such as smoking/tobacco chewing
- Hormonal changes, such as those related to pregnancy or menopause
- Illnesses such as diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Autoimmune diseases, Crohn’s disease
- Medications that cause your mouth to dry or changes in your gum
- Nutrition deficiency
- Obesity
- Poor Oral Hygiene
However, you can treat it and prevent it from getting. The best way to prevent plaque is to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water after you eat and brush your teeth and tongue with a soft toothbrush. It would help if you visit dental hygienist regularly.
Periodontal disease symptoms
Symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing or eating
- Bad taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
- bump on your gums
- Discolored teeth
- Gums receded and pulled away from your teeth.
- Gums that are swollen, tender, and painful to the touch
- Painful chewing/toothache
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- redness
- Tooth decay, loose teeth, or loss of teeth
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should see your dentist to receive a diagnosis and treatment for gum disease. In severe cases, your dentist may recommend extracting damaged teeth or a full mouth reconstruction. The sooner you see your periodontist specialist (gum specialist), the better your chances of saving your teeth.
