Do you constantly have sore or bleeding gums, especially while brushing your teeth or flossing?
If so, it may be a sign that you have early gum disease, otherwise known as Gingivitis.
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue, usually caused by bad dental hygiene and a lack of cleaning. A lack of brushing and flossing allows for harmful bacteria to grow and thrive within your mouth, possibly leading to infections, tooth decay and other issues.
Early stages of gum disease is known as gingivitis, whereas the more serious later stages of gum disease is known as periodontal disease.
Symptoms of gum disease
Gingivitis:
Early signs include swelling, redness and possible bleeding of the gums while cleaning or flossing. These signs should make you act before they get worse, as this is very easily fixed.
If you suffer from early gum disease symptoms that do not resolve through correct dental cleaning, it’s best to visit the dentist for a checkup and clean.
Leaving early gum disease can cause damage to the gums and form pockets between the roots and gum. These pockets allow bacteria to become trapped easily. Leaving gingivitis may eventually develop into a more severe periodontal condition, so get it treated.
Periodontal disease:
Signs are extremely evident and may involve the following:
- Tenderness while biting or chewing
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen gums
- Bad breath and taste
- Receding gum lines (exposing more tooth)
- Loose and or moved teeth (gum erosion moves teeth)
- Tooth loss (gum recession can lead to tooth loss)
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal is an advanced gum disease and has easily noticeable symptoms. The disease is caused when gingivitis is not treated, and good oral hygiene is absent. So, as the gums are infected and bacteria becomes trapped in the pockets that were caused by gingivitis, this leads to the inflammation of the periodontium; causing periodontitis.
The periodontium is the group of structures that surround each tooth to keep them firmly in place.
Periodontitis infects the gums, periodontal structure and alveolar bones. These bones are ridges that contain the tooth sockets
The infection can lead to gum recession, bone loss, gaps between teeth, loose teeth or even loss of teeth.
How to treat gum disease
Early gum disease is treated by general cleaning; brushing and flossing. You must make sure you clean your mouth properly every day, which includes brushing your teeth twice, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash.
If gum disease is left unchecked and develops into periodontal disease, dental involvement is required. At home cleaning will not clear up periodontitis, as the infection is mainly below your gum line, only a dental professional can. Depending on the severity of your condition, the dentist will be able to provide a suitable treatment plan.
The friendly team at Iris Dental welcomes all patients and makes sure they feel as comfortable as possible. Our treatments are safe, effective and have your best interest at heart. If you would like to find out more information on gum disease, or another dental issue, or to book an appointment in, please contact us today.