Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in the United States and is associated with a wide range of other oral health and systemic health concerns. Gum disease is a progressive disease that affects millions of patients and too often goes undiagnosed due to a lack of preventative dental health care.
The health of your gums is essential for a stable bite and beautiful smile. Gums support the teeth’s root structure and help keep your teeth in alignment. When gum disease spreads, the health and stability of the gums become compromised.
Gums may get swollen, bleed, and begin to recede, reducing the gums’ ability to hold teeth in place. As gum disease progresses, teeth may become loose and often fall out.
Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms in your mouth constantly, is the leading cause of gum disease. You must remove plaque every day with regular brushing and flossing to avoid the development of tartar. Tartar is a hard substance that creates a protective shield for the bacteria, allowing it to multiply and attack your gums.
If bacteria invade your gums, inflammation will occur, and your gums can bleed. These are the early stages of gum disease known as gingivitis. While this lack of oral care is the leading cause of gum disease, several other risk factors exist. Smoking, chewing tobacco, genetics, pregnancy, diabetes, stress, and certain medications can also increase your risk of periodontal disease.
Gum disease is a major dental problem in our office that requires professional treatment. It begins subtly with minor symptoms but progresses to more severe stages that threaten overall dental health. There are two stages of gum disease:
The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. It is generally characterized by red, inflamed gums that bleed easily, especially when you are brushing or flossing teeth. Many people with gingivitis also have a bad taste in their mouth or terrible breath. Gingivitis can occur without or with pain, making it hard for patients to diagnose themselves.
At this stage, the disease is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental cleanings. But if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. Early detection and treatment are key, making regular dental appointments imperative.
If you fail to seek treatment for gingivitis, periodontitis will develop, the second stage of gum disease. At this stage, the inflammation reaches the bone that supports your teeth. You may experience some bone loss and gum recession that will make your teeth appear longer than normal. Small pockets form in the gums, where plaque and bacteria accumulate.
Early periodontitis symptoms include gingivitis, such as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. However, you may also notice your bite is different or your denture does not fit anymore. Terrible bad breath and a bad taste in your mouth may continue or worsen.
It’s important to remember that early periodontitis can still be managed with prompt and proper treatment. However, as the disease progresses, the treatment becomes more complex, and the damage to your gums, teeth, and bone becomes more difficult to reverse.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of gum disease can help allow for early intervention. If you visit Dr. Haddad regularly, you will be screened for signs of gum disease and can be treated immediately to reduce the risk of further damage to the gums and teeth. If you notice any of the following changes in your oral health, contact our Oxnard dentist’s office as soon as possible.
Gum disease affects many individuals and can have significant impacts on overall dental health. Here, we have listed frequently asked questions about gum disease to offer some insights into its causes, prevention, and treatment options to help you maintain healthy gums. Give us a call if you have more questions about gum disease and how to treat it.
