From Gingivitis To Periodontitis: What Causes Gum Diseases?

what causes gum diseases

Generally, as we age, our gums start to weaken affecting our teeth and the entire buccal cavity. However, if gum related problems start manifesting at a young age, then it indicates a gum infection.

Gum or periodontal diseases are very common; in fact a large population of adults in US suffers from some kind of a gum disease. Hence if you find yourself going through a gum ailment, don’t be alarmed. A gum disease may range from mild inflammation to a severe bacterial infection depending on the condition of your oral hygiene and overall health. Although minor gum issues may be treated with over the counter products, a severe gum disease can not only have a damaging effect on your teeth but may also affect your immune system hence leading to severe health issues. Therefore, if you feel that your gums are sore or you find yourself suffering from any gum related issue, you must immediately contact your dentist at Rensselaer family dental centre.

Signs of a gum disease:

The earliest signs of a gum disease are soreness and mild inflammation. Feeling pressure underneath your teeth or having a tingling and stinging sensation after eating something cold or hot also imply a periodontal disease. Other signs that indicate a gum problem are:

  • Bleeding gums; especially during brushing
  • Bad breath despite brushing and rinsing with a mouth wash
  • Formation of gaps or pockets around the teeth
  • Shifting of teeth
  • Feeling that your teeth don’t fit once you bite
  • Loosening of teeth
  • A bad, metallic taste in your mouth
  • Receding of gums or formation of severe blisters.

All these signs may indicate a severe or a mild gum infection.

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What are gingivitis and periodontisis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are two most common gum infections. The former is a milder form of a gum infection where the damage is not very wide spread while the latter is a severe form. Both these diseases start off by the accumulation of plaque on the gums. The build-up of plaque then causes the gums to swell and weaken. At this point you may even start seeing blood when you spit out after brushing. Gingivitis is the first stage of the gum infection. During gingivitis, the gums start to weaken, swell, become highly sensitive and begin to bleed. However, the teeth are not yet affected and are firmly placed in their place.

If diagnosed early, gingivitis can be cured and your gums can be saved. However, if left untreated, the infection spreads and gingivitis turns into periodontisis. In periodontisis, the infection spreads up to your teeth. First, the area around the teeth starts loosening up, forming pockets and gaps. These pockets are filled in by bacteria that further travel up your teeth, destroying the enamel and the inner core of the teeth. In severe conditions, the teeth start to chip or fall off. Periodontitis does not only affect your mouth but also damages your overall health. As your body is constantly fighting off the bacteria, your immune system weakens, making you susceptible towards other dangerous diseases.

Can a periodontal disease be prevented or cured?

Gum diseases can be prevented by maintaining a good oral hygiene. Gum infections spread fast; therefore you must immediately visit your dentist after you find any signs of the infection. If you are suffering from gingivitis then a Rensselaer dentist may prescribe an antibiotic and an anti inflammatory medicine. However, if the infection has turned to periodontisis, then the doctor will treat you according to the damage done. In any case, gum diseases can be cured, provided that you regularly get your gums checked and take good care of them.

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