Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a common dental issue that affects many people worldwide. It is a serious infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
Timothy J. Iafolla, DMD, MPH answers all your questions about flossing. If you develop any of these complications, call your periodontist. They can prescribe medications or recommend therapies to help ease these side effects. They may also refer you to a specialist for further tests and treatment.
What it means is that chronically inflamed gum tissue is exposing the root surface of the tooth. This exposed root makes the tooth more susceptible to decay, abfraction (wear in the root surface), tooth sensitivity, and potential tooth loss. Hygienists and dentists take six measurements for every tooth to evaluate their health and any presence of gum disease.
As periodontitis continues to manifest, the patient is often unaware of the damage that is occurring, because symptoms often remain mild. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing two to three times a day, flossing daily and visiting your dentist for regular exams and cleanings. A dentist or periodontist will measure the pockets around your teeth using an instrument called a periodontal probe.
A normal or healthy range is between 1 millimeter (mm) and 3 mm. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your inflamed gums. The harmful bacteria can spread and cause a number of problems, such as blood clots, which can lead to heart attack or stroke. These potentially fatal conditions are not a simple matter of inconvenience or appearance. The Dental Care Cost Estimator sometimes groups together, into “treatment categories,” services that are often delivered together to address a particular dental problem.
Causes of Gum Disease
Your dental care team will give you instructions on how to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth, which involves keeping your teeth and gums clean. Your dentist will give you advice on how to use tooth brushes and dental floss properly, and may recommend other oral hygiene products like a water pick or mouthwash. People who have very early periodontal disease (gingivitis) may be able to reverse the condition with routine dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene. Because there’s no bone loss yet, this conservative approach gets rid of harmful oral bacteria before the disease has a chance to progress. Good oral hygiene and quick treatment can stop gingivitis and help preserve your teeth. According to the CDC, researchers have uncovered potential links between gum disease and other serious health conditions.
The bone loss and destruction of the firmly attached gum tissues is permanent. If you’re worried you might have gum disease, there’s a good reason for that. It’s one of the most common reasons people see the dentist. Dental x-rays reveal alveolar bone loss adjacent to the periodontal pockets. Periodontitis as a direct manifestation of systemic disease is considered in patients who have inflammation disproportionate to plaque or other local factors and who also have a systemic disease. However, distinguishing whether a disease is causing periodontitis or contributing to plaque-induced periodontitis is often difficult.
- Poor oral hygiene
- Smoking and tobacco use
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Stress
Gum disease can lead to serious complications if left untreated, such as tooth loss, bone damage, and even an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. It is essential to practice good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
Treatment for Gum Disease
- Professional dental cleaning
- Scaling and root planing
- Antibiotics
- Surgical treatments
If you experience any symptoms of gum disease, it is crucial to seek treatment from a dental professional promptly to prevent further complications and preserve your oral health. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to your gums!
