Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. It is caused by bacteria as a clear, sticky film constantly forms on the teeth. If not removed daily by brushing and flossing, plaque builds up and bacteria can damage not only the gum surface and teeth, but also the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth. This condition can cause teeth to become mobile, shift out of place and/or eventually have to be extracted by the dentist.
There are three stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis: This first stage of the disease manifests itself with an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque on the teeth and at the edge of the gums, which, when not properly removed by brushing and daily flossing, produces toxins that irritate the gingival tissue, causing inflammation. Bleeding may be observed during brushing, flossing or even spontaneously. In this first stage the damage can be reversed, since the gum connective tissue and the bone supporting the teeth have not yet been affected.
Periodontitis: At this stage the fibers of the gum connective tissue and the bone that hold the teeth in place suffer irreversible damage, as the fibers are completely lost causing a pocket to form under the edge of the gums, this is called periodontal pocket and here food and plaque are trapped forming tartar and this causes the bone to be destroyed. Proper dental treatment and more careful home care guided by the specialist usually help prevent further damage. In this case, more frequent check-ups and/or deep cleanings are suggested periodically, every 4 to 6 months depending on each case, thus preventing periodontal pockets from growing and keeping the condition static.
Advanced periodontitis: In this final stage of the disease, the fibers and bone supporting the teeth have been lost in greater quantity, causing the teeth to shift or become mobile. Periodontal pockets may become infected, the bite may be affected and, if proper treatment is not carried out, the dentist may have to remove teeth.
Periodontal disease can occur at any age, but is more common in adults. If caught early, it can be reversed. See your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- Gums are red, swollen or tender.
- Gums bleed when brushing, flossing or eating.
- Your teeth appear to be longer because the gums have receded and the roots are visible.
- You feel changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down.
- There may be pus coming out between the teeth and the gums
- You constantly notice bad breath or bad taste in your mouth.
Healthy gums are firm and pale pink, fit snugly against the teeth, and it is not normal for them to bleed with proper brushing.
Periodontitis also affects the general state of health, there is scientific evidence on the relationship of this disease with cardiovascular diseases, decompensation of diabetes, respiratory infections or even premature birth.
How is gum disease treated?
The first stages of the disease can usually be reversed with proper brushing and flossing. Good oral health will help prevent plaque formation.
A professional cleaning by your dentist is the only way to remove plaque buildup that has hardened into tartar. Your dentist will clean your teeth to remove tartar above and below the gum line. If your condition is more severe, he or she may perform a root planing procedure. Root planing helps to eliminate irregularities in the tooth roots, making it more difficult for plaque to deposit.
By scheduling regular checkups, gum disease in its early stages can be treated before it develops into a more serious condition.
We invite you to schedule an appointment for an assessment with us at makeoverdentalstudio@hotmail.com or call us at MX (664)634-2023 / EU (619) 202-0423.
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