What is Gum Disease?

What exactly is gum disease? Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gingiva, or gum tissue. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection involving the periodontium, the tissue that surrounds a root and often the supporting bone that supports a tooth. Periodontal diseases may affect one or several teeth, and they range in severity from mild gum irritation (gingivitis) to very serious, chronic infection (periodontitis.)

Gum inflammation can result from poor oral hygiene, such as allowing plaque to buildup around a filling or crown. This plaque develops into bacteria and may cause periodontitis, a condition where bacterial growth occurs in the tissues surrounding a root. Bacteria and inflammation can also be caused by the misuse of teeth and dental equipment. Gum disease can also be caused by genetics and environment.

When a person has gum disease but does not show any of the warning signs, he or she should be evaluated by a periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist specializing in the treatment of periodontitis and other types of periodontal diseases. A periodontist can look at the entire mouth and take dental history. He or she can perform a number of tests, including X-rays and/or CAT scans.

If left untreated, gum disease can have devastating consequences. Symptoms will include inflammation, pain, swelling, redness, halitosis, bad breath, and jaw loss. All of these symptoms can make it difficult to eat, speak, swallow, and breathe normally. Left untreated, the person with gum disease may become disabled. That is why it is very important to get any health problems treated promptly.

There are a number of risk factors for periodontal disease. For instance, those who smoke or use tobacco use are more likely to develop this disease. Periodontal disease is more prevalent in people who smoke or use tobacco products. Those who are obese also increase their risk of developing this condition. People who are diabetic, suffer from heart disease or have other medical conditions increase their risk factors as well.

The primary goal of periodontists is to prevent gum disease from progressing. That is why they try to make the mouth healthy through proper dental care. They focus on prevention rather than treatment. Therefore, they focus on a healthy diet, regular brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, using dental devices, and educating patients about oral health.

Periodontal disease prevents the normal growth of healthy bacteria in your mouth. It is caused when the normal bacteria in your mouth become damaged. When this happens, it cannot produce the same amount of sulfur that it needs to keep controlling the growth of bacteria. As this condition progresses, gum tissue, bone, and tissues start to erode and can call for emergency measures. If not treated, the damage could progress and lead to very serious dental problems.

Gum disease can be controlled but cannot be cured. You need to prevent it from advancing to the point where major dental surgery may be needed. The most important thing you can do for periodontitis is brushing your teeth regularly and flossing at least twice daily. Visit your periodontist for regular checkups to make sure your gums are healthy and to learn more about periodontitis and the possible treatments available for controlling this condition.

Although there are no cures for periodontitis or gingivitis, these treatments can help bring relief and lessen the symptoms. Brushing and flossing regularly can remove bacteria and plaque, reducing the accumulation of tartar on your teeth and gums. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed to treat severe gum disease or gingivitis symptoms. These treatments should only be used as a last resort to relieve symptoms.

Treatment of periodontitis will depend on the severity of your condition. If your gums are heavily affected, you will need to have regular dental examinations. If the infection does not involve the gums and mouth, you may need to have surgical treatment to remove pockets of infection or to remove portions of the plaque build up. Antibiotics are usually used in conjunction with other treatments to bring faster results. Other symptoms include mouth sores, swelling, and bad breath.

The periodontitis or gingivitis can lead to tooth loss if it is not treated properly. Untreated periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage to your gums and teeth. Next: Learn what you can do to stop tooth loss from occurring in the first place.