Signs of gum disease
The gums are healthy and pale pink and fit tightly around the teeth. Characteristic signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Swollen and puffy gums: They are usually the first sign of gum disease. Gum illness can result in tooth loss. If you have swollen or puffy gums, you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
- Bad breath: The takeaway from all of this is that gum disease bad breath is a real and serious problem. If you have gum disease, it’s important to treat it as soon as possible to avoid any further damage to your teeth and gums. There are a number of ways to treat gum disease, so talk to your dentist about the best option for you.
- Tender or bleeding gums: If you are experiencing tender or bleeding gums, it is important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
- Painful chewing: Gum disease can cause a lot of pain when chewing, so it’s important to get it treated as soon as possible.
- Loose teeth: If you’re suffering from gum disease, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. When a tooth loses support and slowly detaches from the bone.
- Sensitive teeth: It is important to be aware of the risks associated with gum disease and sensitive teeth. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and sensitive teeth can make it difficult to eat and drink.
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth: Longer appearing teeth is a common sign of receding gums. The gum line moves away from the tooth, making the tooth look longer. Other signs of receding gums are red, swollen, or bleeding gums. If you have any of these symptoms, see your dentist so they can diagnose and treat the problem.
Overview
Periodontitis, also called gum disease, is an infection that harms the soft tissue and can damage the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis may result in loosened or tooth loss.
Periodontitis is a widespread health problem that is largely preventable. It’s most often caused by poor oral hygiene, so you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and visit the dentist regularly to minimize your risk of developing periodontitis, as well as successfully treat it if you do.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Peri means around and odontal refers to teeth. Periodontal diseases are infections of the structures around the teeth. They include the gums, the cementum that covers the root, the periodontal ligament, and the alveolar bone. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria attached to oral deposits. There is a substance called plaque that forms on teeth soon after brushing. In order to get rid of the bacteria, the cells of the immune system release substances that can inflame and damage gums, the periodontal ligament, or the alveolar bone. Gums that are swollen and full of blood are a sign of gingivitis (the first stage of periodontal disease). The damage associated with periodontal disease can also cause one’s teeth to become loose. This is a sign of fecal periodontitis (the worst stage of periodontal disease).
What causes Gum diseases?
The human mouth is home to a diverse community of microbes, including bacteria. These bacteria, together with mucus and other particles, commonly form a sticky, colorless plaque on teeth. Brushing and flossing can remove plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and turn into tartar that brushing is not capable to clean. Only a dental cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist is able to remove tartar.
Smoking is the primary risk factor for gum disease. Additionally, smoking can reduce the treatment’s success. Many other factors, such as hormonal changes in women and pregnant and hormonal changes, contribute to gum disease. Diabetes, various types of illnesses, and medications that can lower saliva secretion all lead to gum disease as well.
What’s the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis (gum inflammation) usually occurs before periodontitis (gum disease). However, not all cases of gingivitis lead to periodontitis. In fact, most people experience gingivitis at some point in their lives. Its mild symptoms often go unnoticed. However, without treatment, even a minor problem can turn into bigger issues in the mouth. The good news is that these can be solved or prevented by simply brushing your teeth, flossing, and getting routine dental cleanings and checkups.
Various bacteria begin to accumulate on an existing plaque, causing gum tissue to become irritated and bleed easily while someone is brushing their teeth. Even though gum tissue may become irritated, the teeth are still firmly placed in their sockets. There has not been any permanent bone or tissue damage as of yet.
Plaque can harden into tartar, or glue that accumulates in the gums and between the teeth if you’re not mindful of your dental hygiene. When the glue’s done softening, the two forms of plaque release acids, causing tooth decay. After around 72 hours, the plaque transforms into tartar and becomes harder to remove, specifically if you forget to clean up between your teeth and gums. When plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth, it can cause irritation and inflammation of your gums, leading to gingivitis.
In individuals with periodontitis, there is a separation of the inner layer of gum and bone from the teeth, which leads to the formation of pockets. These pockets can accumulate debris and become infected. The body’s immune system responds to the bacteria by trying to control its spread and growth beneath the gum line.
Toxins or poisons formed by the bacteria in plaque and the body’s “good” enzymes associated with combating infections begin to break down body tissue and bone before joining the teeth. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are pounded. As the disease worsens, the pockets deepen and more damage takes place to the gum tissue, bone, and surrounding organs. If you have gum disease, your teeth can become loose and eventually fall out. Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults.