What is gum disease?

If you ever brushed your teeth and noticed a pink tinge on your toothbrush, you may have wondered if you have gum disease. Gum disease is the inflammation of the gums which can result in the deterioration of the tissues and bone which support and surround your teeth. The infection is mainly caused from plaque, which is a sticky film of bacteria and can irritate the gum line. Gingivitis is a mild form of irreversible gum disease.

Gingivitis Prior to Periodontitis

The beginning stage of gum disease is referred to as gingivitis. Gingivitis is one of the most common conditions that affects the oral cavity. Patients with gingivitis may notice red and swollen gums that bleed easily. Fortunately, the symptoms are reversible at this point through the proper oral hygiene methods and not all cases of gingivitis will progress. When plaque builds up and mineralizes, it turns into tartar. When plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, they become more harmful. When tartar remains untreated, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. With periodontitis, the bones, gums, and tissue which support the teeth are all destroyed. The teeth may also become loose at this point. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 have mild, moderate or severe periodontitis.

Signs and Symptoms

Gum disease is often painless, especially in the early stages. As a result, it is important to understand the symptoms:

• Bleeding gums during brushing and/or flossing
• Gums which are swollen, red or tender
• Receding gums which pull away from the tooth
• Persistent bad breath and/or a bad taste in mouth
• Teeth becoming loose
• Change in the way the teeth fit together
• Change in the fit of partial dentures
• Pus surrounding the teeth and gums
• Sharp or dull pain when chewing
• Overly sensitive teeth to hot or cold temperatures

Cause

The bacteria found in plaque causes gum disease. Plaque is a sticky and colorless film which constantly forms on your teeth. When plaque is not removed, it can harden and eventually turn into tartar. Dental plaque can also continue to form on the tartar. A professional cleaning from a dentist is required in order to remove the plaque as regular brushing and flossing is not capable of removing it.

It is vital to control the progression of gum disease through removing plaque on a daily basis. Daily flossing is important in reaching between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot clear debit away. Twice daily brushing of the teeth, along with professional dental cleanings twice a year, are important practices to help prevent gum disease.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

In some cases, your daily oral hygiene can be more than just taking care of your mouth. Gum disease can not only affect your oral health, but also your overall health. There has also been some indications that gum disease and systemic illnesses, such as stroke and diabetes, are associated. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), gum disease which remains untreated may worsen diabetes as it makes it more difficult to regulate your blood sugar. Other risk factors can include the following:

• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Genetic history
• Malocclusion of teeth which make them more difficult to keep clean
• Women who are pregnant
• Poor oral hygiene
• Medications such as steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs and some oral contraceptives

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