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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth. It begins with gingivitis, where the gums become red, swollen, and may bleed easily due to plaque buildup. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the inflammation extends deeper, leading to the destruction of the supporting bone and connective tissue. Factors contributing to gum disease include poor oral hygiene, tobacco use, genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions (like diabetes), and medications that reduce saliva flow. Symptoms include persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, and changes in bite alignment. Treatment involves professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, improved oral hygiene practices, and in advanced cases, scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, or surgical interventions to restore gum health. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for early detection and effective management of gum disease.
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, begins with plaque accumulation on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms when sugars and starches in food interact with bacteria in the mouth. If not removed through brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.
The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. At this stage, the condition is reversible with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. In periodontitis, the inner layer of the gums and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that can become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria, but the combination of bacterial toxins and the body’s response breaks down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. Without treatment, the bones, gums, and tissue supporting the teeth are destroyed, leading to tooth loss. Regular dental visits are essential for preventing and managing gum disease.
Local anesthetic can be used for deeper scaling and root planning
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup on the teeth and gums.
Symptoms include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, pain while chewing, receding gums, loose or sensitive teeth, and changes in bite alignment.
Gum disease is diagnosed through a dental examination where the dentist checks for gum inflammation, measures the depth of pockets around the teeth, and may take X-rays to assess bone loss.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. However, periodontitis, the advanced stage, can only be managed, not completely reversed, through more intensive treatments.
The primary cause is plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene. Other factors include smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes, medications that reduce saliva flow, genetic predisposition, and certain illnesses.
Treatment depends on the severity. It can include professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, antibiotics, and in severe cases, surgical procedures such as flap surgery, bone grafts, or soft tissue grafts.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is caused by plaque buildup at the gumline and can be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. In periodontitis, the inner layer of the gums pulls away from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. The body’s immune response and bacterial toxins break down the bone and connective tissue, leading to tooth loss.
Advanced gum disease can destroy the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
