What Are Signs of Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a common problem. We see multiple cases of gum disease every day in our clinic. There are two main types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is characterized by swollen, red, or bleeding gums and chronic bad breath. Periodontitis is a dental disease in which the gum tissue becomes inflamed and is the result of untreated gingivitis. In some people, inflammation may also develop in the connective and bone tissue, especially if proper treatment is not implemented.
There are many causes of gum disease. They include:
- Improper oral hygiene, especially avoiding flossing between teeth. Using dental floss also cleans the places where teeth are embedded in the gums, and it is the development of caries in these areas or the build-up of layers of deposits that can lead to gum disease.
- Improper diet, rich in products with a lot of sugar or highly processed foods, and also lacking in vitamins and minerals, which are key to maintaining the good condition of gums and bones. In addition, the recurrence of gum disease is also influenced by reduced immunity (accompanying chronic diseases or resulting from the use of immunosuppressive drugs);
- Taking certain medications, especially those that increase diuresis, can result in drying of the mucous membranes. These include medications used for hypertension, but also for nephrological conditions.
- Mechanical damage is associated with wearing poorly fitting dentures (partial and full), as well as orthodontic appliances that irritate the oral mucosa.
In addition to the above, gum disease is also caused by smoking and alcohol consumption, hormonal changes (for example, those accompanying pregnancy), or incorrect toothbrushing technique, which leads to damage to the delicate oral mucosa.
Signs of Gum Disease
There are numerous signs of gum disease. It is important to pay attention to these signs of gum disease, as diagnosis and treatment can only happen in a dental office and can only be performed by dental experts. Gum disease may be accompanied by various ailments such as:
- gum pain and tenderness, usually occurring when brushing teeth and while eating;
- severe redness of the gums, indicating increased blood supply and the development of inflammation;
- loosening of the gums and their swelling;
- difficulty in chewing food, associated with pain;
- bleeding gums – especially when brushing teeth;
- unpleasant odor from the mouth, an unpleasant aftertaste in the mouth.
In the case of advanced periodontal disease (periodontitis), people have large deposits of dental tartar, as well as loosening of teeth in the sockets and/or purulent changes.
Gum disease diagnosis is, as stated, performed by a dentist, who interviews you and confirms the presence of the disease or excludes it based on a physical examination and knowledge of the symptoms you report.
The signs of gum disease should not be ignored. If you have swelling or pain in your mouth, or bleeding when you brush or floss, this needs to be examined. Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss or other serious consequences, such as an infection that can spread all over your body. Contact us today if you have any of the above signs of gum disease, and we will be able to set you on the path towards healing!