Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the tissues surrounding your teeth. It can range from mild inflammation to severe infection, causing damage to the gums and bones supporting your teeth. The severity of gum disease can vary depending on factors such as genetics, oral hygiene habits, and overall health.
Dentists who indicated greater concern were more likely to highlight that gingivitis is active disease and carries a risk of progression. OHA was the standard approach for treating patients with gingivitis, with some dentists adding that they would include information about inflammation/progression risk when giving OHA. Patients attending Bristol Dental Hospital (BDH) for routine appointments were provided with the QIS-approved information sheet.
This allows them to temporarily move your gums back from your teeth roots. It’s a bacterial infection that starts by inflaming the soft tissues around your teeth. Left untreated, it erodes the bone that supports your teeth, leading to mobility and tooth loss. The point of flossing and brushing is to disturb the plaque and bacteria. If you do this, tartar (untreated and hardened plaque) will be less likely to attach to your teeth. If you skip on your oral hygiene routine, the plaque and bacteria have a chance to grow until the next time.
Gum disease isn’t curable, but it’s manageable with appropriate treatment. You can’t cure it because once you lose structural support around your teeth, you don’t usually get all of it back. However, periodontal treatment can reduce infection and rebuild your bone and tissue to some degree. The breakdown of tissues around your teeth happens gradually. In fact, most people don’t experience pain with gum disease — especially during the early stages.
Causes of Gum Disease
The primary cause of gum disease is the buildup of plaque – a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Other risk factors for gum disease include smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, and underlying health conditions like diabetes.
Signs and Symptoms
“Root planing” is when he or she smooths out the surfaces of your roots to help your gums reattach. If you have sensitive teeth, your dentist may numb your gums with a local anesthetic. Your dentist can help you with a treatment plan to manage gum disease at any stage of gum disease (officially dubbed “periodontitis”). We also teach you the best ways to clean your teeth and gums to remove the bacteria. Treatment will be most effective if you clean your teeth thoroughly every day. If the disease has already destroyed some of the support for your teeth we also remove bacteria and calculus from under the gum.
Gingivitis is the term given to gum disease in its early stages and it progresses to periodontitis when not treated. Both gingivitis and periodontitis can be broken down into further disease stages. Ongoing gum disease may be related to some diseases that affect the entire body, such as respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. Some research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, possibly affecting your heart, lungs and other parts of your body. You’re not likely to get gingivitis from kissing or sharing utensils.
Early stages of gum disease may present with symptoms such as red, swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, and bad breath. As the disease progresses, you may experience loose teeth, receding gums, and even tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups are essential for early detection and treatment of gum disease.
Treatment and Outlook
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, treatment options may include deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery. With proper care and maintenance, it is possible to manage gum disease and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. However, advanced cases of gum disease may require more intensive treatment and ongoing monitoring by your dentist.
In conclusion, the severity of gum disease can have a significant impact on the outlook for your teeth. By practicing good oral hygiene habits, attending regular dental appointments, and addressing any signs of gum disease promptly, you can improve the health of your gums and preserve the longevity of your teeth. Remember, prevention is always better than cure when it comes to gum disease.
