Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease)
Gum Disease
Gum disease is a prevalent dental condition mostly adults come across, but gum disease can begin at any age. Gum disease often develops gradually and without causing any pain. Mostly you may not observe any signs until the condition is severe and your teeth are at risk.
However, you can prevent gum disease by regular oral health check ups and good hygiene. If diagnoses at an early stage, it can be cured, and further damage can be prevented.
The structure of the tooth:
Our tooth structure comprises of hard and soft tissues. The outer hard shell of the tooth along with the root of the tooth is the hard tissues. The gums holding the tooth structure, the surrounding periodontal fibers (Not visible) that embed the tooth in the jawbone within the sockets are the soft tissues.
Occurrence
Healthy gums and bones keep teeth intact. When the health of the surrounding tissues of tooth is sound, the teeth remain healthy.
Gum disease commences with plaque. Plaque is clear and sticky film that forms on our teeth and gums over a period. This film is made up salivary proteins, minerals, and bacteria of the oral cavity. It forms on the teeth every day. It also forms where the point where teeth and your gums meet. If you do not remove plaque every day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar (calculus)
Tartar cannot be removed just by brushing and flossing. Tartar can lead to contamination at the point where the gums attach to the teeth (point of attachment). The bacteria can start irritating the gums leading to the first stage of a periodontal disease known as Gingivitis.
Signs and symptoms of Gingivitis:
Bleeding from gums while brushing and eating
Swollen red appearance of gums
Bad breath (Halitosis)
Pain while eating hard food
Gnawing sensation
Sensitivity to Cold
A dentist will do a through cleaning (Scaling and Polishing) at this stage and will prescribe an antibacterial mouthwash and toothpaste for gum care to cure your gingivitis. Failure to see a dentist at this point can lead to progression of the disease.
The gums may get further swollen with infection spreading to the periodontal fibers (they attach your tooth to the bone) loosening your teeth within the sockets. The gums colour may change from red to dark red or purplish colour. Gums may start moving away from teeth (Gingival Recession), exposing the tooth root, and causing severe sensitivity. In advanced stages there maybe severe bone loss.
Signs and symptoms of Periodontitis:
Dark coloured, swollen, loose gums
Receding Gums
Bad taste in mouth
Tooth mobility (teeth moving within the sockets)
Tooth loss
Difficulty in eating
Bad breath (Halitosis)
Sensitivity
Bone loss
Treatment
- It is best to visit a dentist every 6 months minimum for timely removal of tartar build up.
- The dentist can quickly scan to see for any signs and symptoms of gum disease.
- In case of periodontal disease, you may be referred to a Gum Specialist known as Periodontist.
- Scaling and Polishing, Root Planing, and even surgery may be needed.
You may have a genetic predisposition to Gum disease. It may even be triggered by stress, Hormonal imbalance (during Puberty and Pregnancy). Diabetic people are most prone to Bone loss (Moderate and Advanced stage of Periodontitis).
Knowing that many factors play a role in gum disease, the best solution is to visit the dentist regularly. Follow their instructions and maintain a diligent oral hygiene routine.
