What is Gum Disease?
Gum Disease also known as Periodontal Disease is an inflammation of the gums. Severe Gum disease can lead to the loss of the tissues (i.e. soft tissues and bone) that hold your teeth in place.
What Causes Gum Disease:
Gum Disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth. When plaque is not removed it causes your gum (gingivae) to pull away from your teeth, forming pockets in which more bacteria can collect. Plaque that is not removed hardens into calculus along and under your gums causing periodontal disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can damage the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Symptoms of Gum Disease:
Symptoms of Gum Disease include:
- Gums that are red and swollen and bleed easily (for example when you brush or floss your teeth)
- Gums that seem to have pulled away from the teeth
- Constant bad breath
- pus between the teeth and gums
- Teeth that seem to be loose or moving away from one another
- Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Change in the way your partial denture fits
How to Prevent Gum Disease:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Clean between your teeth with floss or another interdental cleaner once a day
- Visit you dentist for a checkup and professional cleaning regularly
- Show your dentist or dental hygienist how you brush and clean between your teeth and ask if you can make any improvements
There are various stages to periodontal disease from Gingivitis to Periodontitis. To view related images of various stages of Gum Disease and to get more information, select the gum disease stage from the menu at the top.
