Gum disease is a condition that occurs when the gums become inflamed. The most common signs of the initial stages of gum disease include gum bleeding, redness, swelling, and tenderness. If you have noticed at least some of these symptoms, it is better to make an appointment with your dental specialist. In this article, we have gathered six facts about gum disease you should know about.
1.Gum disease can be caused by poor oral hygiene
If you don't brush your teeth twice a day and don't use dental floss at least once a day, you can have an increased risk of gum disease. The truth is, that this condition develops when the number of bacteria in your mouth increases dramatically. These bacteria lead to the inflammatory process in your gums.
2. There are two stages of gum disease
Depending on the severity of symptoms, gum disease has two stages, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a primary stage that usually manifests itself through gum bleeding, redness, swelling, bad breath, and gum recession. It is essential to treat gingivitis thoroughly, since it can progress and lead to periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease. The most common symptoms of periodontitis are bleeding gums, bad breath, pus between the teeth, receding gums, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Treatment for periodontitis includes non-surgical procedures (that help reduce inflammation and help clean your teeth) and surgical options if periodontitis becomes severe.
3. Gum disease can affect everyone
There is a common misconception that gum disease can affect only older people or smokers. But the truth is that gum disease is quite common in both children and adults. Due to the fact that it can be caused by poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions, it is essential for everyone to pay sufficient attention to the condition of their oral cavities.
4. Tartar build-up can promote the development of gum disease
Tartar is a calcified deposit that occurs between your teeth and near the gum line. It develops from dental plaque that wasn't removed properly. Smoking can also contribute to the increased development of tartar build-up. The point is, that tartar is full of bacteria. If you don't undergo professional teeth cleaning regularly, you can be more prone to gum disease.
5. Gum disease can cause severe complications
If you have noticed at least any symptoms of gum disease, it is better to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You should understand that it is much easier to treat gingivitis rather than periodontitis. Without timely and precise treatment, gum disease can lead to severe complications.
Receding gums can expose the roots of the tooth. This can result in increased tooth sensitivity to temperature changes. Additionally, teeth can lose their support and can become loose or even fall off. If you have lost a tooth because of gum disease, you need to replace it as soon as possible. Otherwise, the neighboring teeth can become shifted and you may get facial asymmetry and experience difficulty eating.
6. Gum disease can be prevented
If you want to prevent the development of gum disease and its severe complications, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene and visit the best dentist on a regular basis. You Should also add more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fatty fish to your diet to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
The bottom line
It is important to understand that gum disease is a common condition that can affect everyone. That's why it is essential to monitor the condition of your gums. Proper oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups can help prevent its development.
