Gum disease occurs when the tissues that support and surround your teeth becomes infected. It is one of the main causes of adult tooth loss. Gum disease symptoms usually don’t manifest early, so you might not be aware you have it. The main culprit is plaque – the bacteria-filled sticky film that builds upon the teeth.
Warning signs
Below are some of the symptoms that you should look out for:
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Persistent bad taste or bad breath
- Receding gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Loose or separating permanent teeth
- Change in the fit of dentures
- Change in your bite
Factors that heighten the risk of developing gum disease
- Genetics
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes
- Chewing or smoking tobacco
- Crooked teeth which can be challenging to clean
- Pregnancy
- Medications, which include anti-epilepsy drugs, steroids, oral contraceptives, cancer therapy drugs, and some calcium blockers
Two Types of Gum Disease
Gingivitis
Typically caused by poor oral health habits, gingivitis is the mildest type of gum disease. Although this condition can cause inflammation on the tissue around your teeth, it causes little to no discomfort. Symptoms include swelling of the gums, red gums, or gums that bleed easily.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection and is a more advanced stage of gum disease. The gums as well as the periodontium anchor your teeth in place, forming a seal that surrounds your tooth. When the infection spreads and destroys the tissues that support the teeth, it can cause an inflammatory response.
Left untreated, periodontitis can destroy the bones that support your teeth, and eventually, cause tooth loss. Based on whether the inflammation is localized to one or more teeth and on bone loss, periodontitis is normally categorized as mild, moderate, or severe. Periodontitis in its advanced stages will require professional care and maintenance to prevent the condition from worsening.
The sooner gum disease is treated, the better. See your Dallas dentist if you suspect that you are suffering from gum disease. You can have gum disease and have no warning signs; hence, regular dental appointments are important. The treatment will largely depend on how far the condition has progressed.
