Periodontal disease (or gum disease as it’s also known) is an infection that affects the gums and the bones which support the teeth. The literal meaning of “Periodontal” is “around the tooth”. This type of disease can affect either a single tooth or many of them. This disease appears due to the sticky plaque and the gum irritation that appears because of it.
Initially, gum disease is known as Gingivitis, but it can become periodontitis in time, if it’s not treated properly. Periodontitis can have as effect the loss of teeth, so it shouldn’t be taken lightly. Heart attack and gum disease have a connection, according to recent studies. Apparently gum disease can increase the heart attack risk, and that’s a serious reason to take care of your gums.
Gum Disease Causes:
Plaque is a layer of bacteria that is sticky, and it shows up in the oral cavity. You need efficient brushing to remove plaque, and if you don’t remove it, gum disease is triggered by toxins released by the bacterial plaque. In time, the plaque turns into tartar, which can only be removed with a visit to the dentist. Your risk of getting gum disease is increased when you got an oral hygiene that is poor, you got something in the family that already has it, you chew or smoke tobacco, or if you have a high level of stress, or a compromised immunity system.
Gum Disease Symptoms
• Your gums are bleeding when you brush normally
• You have loose teeth
• You got bad breath all the time
• Your teeth have pus discharges
Gum Disease Types
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and you can recognize it by swollen gums that are bleeding. In most cases, gingivitis doesn’t come with any type of pain, so people don’t understand that they have problems with their gums. Let’s face it now, people just don’t pay that much attention to how swollen their gums are. A good hygiene can easily treat gingivitis, though you might also need to clean your teeth at a dentist.
Periodontitis
If you don’t treat your gingivitis, in time it can become periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. In this stage, periodontal pockets appear, caused by damage done by bacteria in the tissue around the tooth. Infections appear next, in the spaces between gums and teeth, so the bone and the gums are damaged further. In time, the constant assault of the bacteria will mean that you will lose those teeth, unless a dentist steps in before it’s too late.
The different types of this gum disease are:
• Chronic periodontitis
• Aggressive periodontitis
• Necrotizing periodontal disease
Gum Disease Treatment
When the gum disease is mild, you can fix it without the help of a dentist. Regular flossing and brushing is all you need to stop gum disease in its tracks. If it becomes serious, a visit to the dentist is a must to stop the gum disease.
The dentist will clean the gums and teeth thoroughly, with a procedure called scaling. You might also get some antibiotics to get rid of the infection. If the circumstances are tough, you might need surgery. Once you have the treatment, you need to continue maintaining the oral hygiene, so gum disease doesn’t advance.
Prevention of Gum Disease
Flossing and brushing when you’re supposed to, will make all the difference in the world for the health of your teeth. An ounce of prevention will help you avoid a huge problem later on.
