It is one of the most common oral diseases in the world. Yet, this disease
in its initial stages may not cause any immediate symptoms. .
Facts About Gum Disease
There are different stages of gum disease. The
initial stage, called gingivitis, is an inflammation of the gums.
Bleeding gums may be a sign of this stage. This may occur during
brushing and flossing or for no apparent reason. Also, bleeding during a
gum examination may be indicative of gingivitis.
Gum disease that progresses from this stage is
called periodontitis. At this point, oral structures that support your
teeth, such as bone and gum tissue, begin to be destroyed. This form of
gum disease may not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.
Some signs of periodontitis may be gum pockets; loose teeth; gaps
forming between teeth; bad breath; receding gums, that is, gums that are
pulling away from the teeth, giving the teeth a longer appearance; and
bleeding gums.
Cause and Effect of Gum Disease
Several factors can increase the risk of gum
disease. Dental plaque, which is a thin film of bacteria that regularly
forms on the teeth, is the most common cause. If plaque is not removed,
the bacteria can cause gum swelling. As this process progresses, the
gums start to separate from the teeth, allowing the bacteria-laden
plaque to grow under the gum line. Once the bacteria has infiltrated to
this point, the inflammatory process advances by
destroying bone and gum tissue. Therefore, bacteria can continue to affect the gums adversely.
There are other factors that can contribute to
your risk of having gum disease. These may include poor oral hygiene,
medications that suppress the immune system, viral infections, stress,
uncontrolled diabetes, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and
hormonal changes because of pregnancy.
The effects of gum disease can have other
implications for you. A painful mouth or the loss of teeth from gum
disease can hinder your ability to chew your food and enjoy it. Your
speech and appearance may suffer.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gum Disease
How do you know if you have gum disease? You may
notice some of the signs already mentioned. If you do,
it may be wise to consult a qualified dental professional who can assess
the health of your gums.
Is gum disease treatable? In its early stages,
gum disease may be reversed. If gum disease progresses to the point of
periodontitis, then the goal is to halt the progress of the disease
before it continues to destroy the bone and tissue that surround the
teeth. Dental professionals use specialized tools that can remove plaque
and calculus from your teeth, both above and below the gum line.
Even if you have limited or no access to
professional dental care, the key to reducing your risk of this subtle
yet potentially destructive disease is prevention. Proper and regular
oral self-care is the best prevention to reduce the risk of gum disease.
