A routine dental examination should always include a screening for signs of gum disease.
What exactly is gum disease and gingivitis?
Gingivitis and periodontal disease are the two main types of gum disease, and swelling, soreness, and tissue infection (of tissues supporting teeth) are some of the problems caused by it. Gingivitis is a disease that affects the gums, and which causes inflammation. As a result, gums will be extremely red and swollen, and will often bleed during brushing.
When gingivitis has become a long-standing problem, periodontal disease may be the result. All the varieties of periodontal disease affect the tissues that support the teeth. The bone that anchors the teeth in the jaw will be lost when the disease worsens, and this will then cause the teeth to become loose. The teeth could then fall out if the disease remains untreated.
How is gum disease caused?
Plaque is the reason for all the varieties of gum disease. Each day a film of bacteria develops on the teeth and gums, namely plaque. A large amount of this bacteria will not have a negative impact on the health of your the teeth, but some will. Prevention of plaque should be done by removing it through the cleaning and flossing of teeth every day.
Knowing when you have gum disease, and what happens if it remains untreated?
Blood will be the first sign of gum disease, and will either show up in your toothbrush, or in the water you use to rinse your teeth out with. Blood may also appear when you are eating and result in a bad taste in the mouth.
Bad breath may also become a problem
Gum disease will, unfortunately, often be painless as it develops, so an individual may be unaware that they have a problem. Sore gums is one way, however, that can indicate signs of active bacteria. Gum abscesses can be a consequence, and result in pus oozing from around the tooth. Over the course of years, the loss of the bone supporting the teeth may occur. When the disease has been left to develop for a long period, eventual treatment can become more problematic.
Please get in touch with one of our staff members for more information and assistance.
