Causes of gum disease
Stages of gum disease
The two main stages of gum disease are:
- gingivitis
- periodontitis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is early gum disease. It affects the surface layers of the gum, particularly where the gum meets the tooth. At this stage, there is no damage to the deeper parts of the gums, teeth or bone.
The signs of gingivitis are:
- bleeding gums, especially when brushing or eating
- redness and swelling of the gum.
The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed.
Do not stop brushing if your gums are red or puffy. Try to keep brushing with a soft toothbrush, as this will get rid of the bacteria and plaque that are causing the problem. Soon the gums should look and feel better. If your gums do not improve or keep bleeding, see your dentist or oral health professional.
Periodontitis
The job of the gum is to provide a protective covering for the bone that anchors your teeth in place. The periodontium is the name given to the group of structures that surround and support the teeth, keeping them in place. The gum protects the periodontium by forming a seal that runs around the neck of the tooth.
Periodontitis is the inflammation of the periodontium, caused by the bacteria in plaque and the body’s immune response to it. Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease that may occur if gingivitis is not treated. The structures affected by periodontitis include the covering of the tooth root (cementum), the bone and the fibres that connect the tooth root to the bone (periodontal ligament).
When the seal of the gum is damaged by gum disease, spaces can form between the tooth root and the gum. These spaces are called ‘periodontal pockets’. Bacteria get trapped in these pockets and cause even more damage to the periodontium. Over time, bone is damaged and lost, and larger spaces begin to form between the tooth and the gum.
If periodontitis is not treated, the structures that hold the tooth firmly into the gum can become so damaged that teeth become loose and may need to be removed.
Smoking and poorly managed diabetes are risk factors for periodontitis.
Signs of periodontitis include:
- bleeding gums
- swollen gums
- receding gums (the gum line shrinks away from the tooth making teeth look longer)
- bad breath
- a bad taste in the mouth
- tenderness when biting
- loose teeth, or teeth that have moved
Make an appointment with your dentist or oral health professional if you think you have any of these signs. They can talk with you about how to care for your teeth. They can also professionally remove plaque and hardened plaque (calculus). Early treatment of periodontitis can save affected teeth.
Prevention of gum disease
Regular tooth brushing helps to prevent gum disease by removing the plaque that causes it. Remember to:
- brush your teeth and along the gum line twice a day – in the morning and before going to bed
- use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles, and a fluoride toothpaste
- use floss, interdental brushes, or another tool recommended by a dentist or oral health professional to clean in between teeth.
- Plaque can easily build up on dentures, increasing the risk of gum disease around your natural teeth. Read more about caring for you denture and your mouth.
Call us at (409) 419-2222 or visit www.txcitydental.com to schedule your appointment.
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