Gum Disease Facts
Gum disease, also known as Periodontal Disease are serious infections that include gingivitis and periodontitis. If treatment does not occur, tooth loss can happen. This chronic bacterial infection can affect both gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease can affect one tooth or many.
Gum disease begins when plaque on teeth inflames the surrounding gum tissue. Those who are in the beginning stages of gum disease may experience redden gums, gums that are swollen or bleed easily. Normally there is no discomfort felt in this beginning stage of gum disease. Gingivitis can be reversed with both professional dental care and good oral home care.
When plaque goes unchecked, it can reach below the gum line and produce toxins that irritate the gums. Gum tissue can be destroyed when these toxins build up, causing the body to respond in a manner that destroys the gum tissue. Your gums can separate from the teeth, forming pockets that then become infected. These pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone eventually become destroyed. This stage usually causes mild symptoms like loose teeth.
Besides unresolved plaque, smoking (cigarette and cigar) can aggravate gums. Genetics can also play a role in gum disease. As much as 30% of the population is genetically disposed to gum disease.
There are two times in life when gum disease is more likely to occur – puberty and pregnancy. During hormonal changes the gums can become more sensitive.
Stress can also be linked to a higher risk for gum disease because stress makes it more difficult for your body to fight off infections such as gum disease.
Certain medications such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants and heart medications, can have an affect on your oral health. Let your dentist know if you are taking any medications for these medical conditions.
If you clench or grind your teeth, you may be putting excess force on the supporting tissues of your teeth, which may speed the process of periodontal disease.
Diabetics are at higher risk for infections, including gum disease. It is important for those individuals who have been diagnosed with Diabetes to seek regular dental care to help prevent or treat gum disease.
Those individuals who have poor nutrition are at increased risk for gum disease because their bodies will not have the important nutrients to help the immune system fight off infections like gum disease.
There are other diseases besides Diabetes that can put you are risk for gum disease. These other diseases are systemic diseases (more than one body system). These diseases interfere with the body’s ability to fight off infections. Diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis fit into this category.
Individuals who are immune deficient are also at a higher risk for gum disease.
There are several different types of gum disease:
Gingivitis is the most often talked about disease because it is the mildest form of gum disease.
Aggressive Periodontitis is when there is rapid attachment loss and bone destruction.
Chronic Periodontitis results from inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth. There is a progressive attachment and also bone loss which is characterized by pocket formation, recession of the gum line and frequently occurring periodontitis.
Necrotizing Periodontal Disease is when the infection has necrosis of the gum tissues, periodontal ligament and bone loss, legions can be seen by those who have systemic conditions such as diabetes, HIV infection, immunosuppression and those who suffer from malnutrition.
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