Gum disease is one of the more common health problems but with a little help, it is preventable.
Gum disease affects most people at some stage in their life but signs of gum disease are most common in adult patients. It is caused by infrequent or incorrect brushing and flossing which results in plaque build-up on tooth surfaces, between teeth and under the gumline. Symptoms occur when bacteria in the plaque produce toxins that irritate gum tissue, causing gum tenderness, inflammation and pain.
Gingivitis
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. While gingivitis is the milder form of gum disease, gums still become red, swollen and can bleed easily. It affects the surface layers of the gum, particularly where the gum meets the tooth. At this stage, there is no damage to the deeper parts of the gums, teeth or bone. Fortunately, with immediate and proper care, this type of gum disease is completely reversible.
The symptoms of gingivitis include:
- bleeding and sore gums
- painful to brush teeth or eat
- gums that are red, puffy or bleed
In cases of acute gingivitis, more severe symptoms occur. If the gum disease is allowed to progress, gum infection will occur, accompanied by a tendency to bleed during brushing.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis and this is a much more severe stage of gum disease. In periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets which easily become infected forcing the body’s immune system to fight the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gumline.
If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed by the ongoing inflammation. The teeth may eventually become loose and either fall out or have to be removed.
The symptoms of periodontitis include:
- bleeding and swollen gums
- bad breath that won’t go away
- painful chewing and tenderness when biting
- receding gums (the gum line shrinks)
- loose teeth
However, it’s important to recognise that periodontitis may occur without visible symptoms.
Early Periodontitis: may be associated with tooth sensitivity, throbbing or tightness may be felt in the gum tissue. Periodontal disease can, however, progress slowly without any visible signs or symptoms.
Moderate Periodontitis: may cause loosening of the teeth, and an intensification and an increased incidence of early periodontal symptoms.
Advanced Periodontitis: is associated with gum recession, root decay, pus between teeth and gums, and loosening or loss of teeth.
Treatment of gum disease
Gingivitis is a completely reversible condition. With your dentist’s guidance and proper oral health care, you can manage symptoms and slowly recover your oral health.
Although the effects of this periodontitis may be irreversible, the disease’s progress can be halted and controlled, it is important for your dental professional to examine you regularly for increased gum pocket depths. Proper brushing and flossing, and use of an antibacterial and anti-plaque rinse combined with a plaque-fighting toothpaste help inhibit the plaque build-up that causes gingivitis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease, often referred to as gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth, including the gums, periodontal ligaments, and bone. It typically develops due to the accumulation of dental plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—on the teeth and along the gumline. When plaque is not adequately removed through proper oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar or calculus, which can lead to inflammation and infection of the gums. Periodontal disease exists on a spectrum, with gingivitis being the earliest and mildest form, characterised by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more severe forms of periodontal disease, known as periodontitis, which can result in gum recession, loss of tooth-supporting bone, tooth mobility, and, in advanced cases, tooth loss. Periodontal disease is a common oral health condition and is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Proper oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups, and professional dental cleanings are essential for prevention and management.
What can increase the risk of periodontal disease?
The risk of periodontal disease (gum disease) can be influenced by several factors, including poor oral hygiene practices, tobacco use, genetic predisposition, age, underlying medical conditions, certain medications, hormonal changes, chronic stress, inadequate nutrition, teeth alignment issues, teeth grinding, poorly fitting dental appliances, substance abuse, and dietary choices. These risk factors often interact, and addressing them through proper oral hygiene, regular dental care, and a healthy lifestyle is essential to preventing and managing gum disease. Early detection and timely treatment are vital to halt the progression of the condition and avoid potential complications, including tooth loss and systemic health issues.
What are the dangers of periodontal disease?
The dangers of periodontal disease (gum disease) encompass a range of serious complications, including tooth loss, links to systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes, oral infections, chronic inflammation, aesthetic concerns, difficulty chewing, halitosis, tooth mobility, increased dental expenses, and a substantial impact on overall quality of life. If left untreated, gum disease can result in significant oral and systemic health risks, making preventive measures and timely treatment essential to mitigate these dangers and maintain both oral and overall well-being. Seeking regular dental care and promptly addressing any signs or symptoms of gum disease is crucial to preventing its progression and related complications.