Introduction:
The mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria and an ideal environment for disease to take hold. When this happens, it causes an acidic environment on or near your teeth and makes them more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks.
Gum disease is a type of oral health condition that should not be ignored. If left untreated, it can lead to other more severe problems with your teeth and gums. There are many types of gum diseases, but they all have one thing in common: they all cause damage to the tissues surrounding your teeth. Some people associate gum disease with tooth decay, but there are many other conditions that can result from poor dental hygiene habits or weakened immune systems. This article will explore gum disease and how it manifests itself.
How to know if you have Gum Disease? What symptoms you should look for?
Gum disease is a condition where the gums become red, swollen, and bleed easily. It occurs when plaque (a sticky, colourless film made of bacteria) builds up on the teeth and gums. Plaque build-up can cause inflammation, making it difficult for oxygen to reach the gum tissue. This can lead to tooth loss and other serious problems.
The symptoms of gum disease depend on the severity of the infection. Some signs include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Dental Plaque
- Bleeding gums
- Receding gums
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Loose teeth
Types of Gum Diseases
Gum disease is generally divided into two categories, Gingivitis and periodontal diseases. You can also say that Gingivitis is the earlier stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis affects only the tissues that line your mouth, while periodontal diseases affect not only these tissues but also your jawbone and teeth. Let us understand both of them in detail.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is an infection of the gums and the tissues that surround them. Gingivitis is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar in the mouth, leading to gums inflammation. Plaque is bacteria that cause inflammation when it builds upon the teeth, gums, and tongue. Tartar is a calcified plaque that builds upon the teeth after being there for a while.
Gingivitis can be caused by various factors such as tobacco use, stress, poor health habits, using certain medications or having a deficiency in iron or vitamin C.
Gingivitis is a common problem that affects about half of all adults. The symptoms are bleeding gums, red patches on the gums, bad breath, and swollen or puffy gums, making it difficult to brush and floss. It can make you sensitive to hot and cold food. You can also have it for years without knowing because there are no noticeable symptoms until the infection becomes advanced. If left untreated, it can progress to Periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to serious health issues. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, contact a dentist today for an exam
Gingivitis is clinically cleaned through an ultrasonic cleaner which is more effective and efficient.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a severe form of gum disease that can cause the gums around your teeth to recede and eventually pull away from the tooth itself. It can also cause the bone supporting the tooth to deteriorate until its root is exposed. This exposure can lead to various consequences such as tooth loss or abscesses, which could require surgical intervention.
Detection of Periodontitis requires more than just observation and requires measuring of depths of gum pockets using a special ruler and dental x rays, both painless procedures.
These will help us know the severity of your condition and what treatment plan is best for you. There are a range of treatments available depending upon your issue’s severity, including deep cleaning, teeth scaling and root planing, and, only if essential, surgery.
Steps to take for healthy gums that age well
There are some obvious and other not so apparent oral health tips for having healthy gums. You will see that what you need to avoid is just as important as you need to follow. Let’s go through them quickly:
Do’s:
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Using toothpaste containing fluoride
- Flossing
- Clean your tongue
- Cleaning your mouth after eating
- Drink more water
- Take more calcium
- Eat crunchy fruits
Don’ts:
- Tobacco products
- Hard toothbrush
- Soda and sports drinks
- Acidic juices and food
- Sticky Candies
- Starchy Foods
- Tea, Coffee and Alcohol
- Anything that leaves you with a dry mouth
Conclusion:
Gum Diseases are preventable. However, in our busy lives, it is easy to ignore gum health because the symptoms don’t show up immediately, and hence it may take us long to notice the damage done to our gums and teeth. That is why it is recommended to have a visit to your dentist twice a year or at least an annual checkup done to make sure you can act when it’s still reversible. Today dental treatments are not as scary as they used to be, and they have become more affordable. So any time you notice any of the symptoms discussed above, please visit your dentist.
