Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the gum tissues that leads to inflammation and damage. Left untreated, periodontal disease eats away at the bone and tissue structures that support your teeth. It occurs in two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is characterized by inflammation and receding gums. The infection can still be reversed at this point with improvements to dental hygiene and teeth cleanings. Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease, and the infection is chronic at this point. Untreated periodontitis is the leading cause of adults losing their teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.
People over the age of 30 are more likely to develop gum disease. Children can also get it, but it is not as common. The early stages of gum disease are challenging to detect because they do not have any symptoms. Routine dental checkups significantly increase the odds of any infection in a person’s gum tissues being detected early.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting a dentist twice a year is typically enough to prevent gum disease. Healthy gum tissues fit tightly around teeth and have a pale pink color. Signs that a person’s gum tissues are infected include:
Gum disease is caused by the same type of bacteria that cause tooth decay. These microorganisms form a sticky film called plaque. They live in it, feed on sugars in the mouth, and excrete acids that damage teeth.
Plaque forms when oral bacteria interact with the sugars and starches in food. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque but it forms quickly. Good oral hygiene has to be practiced consistently to minimize the damage that plaque does in the mouth.
Plaque hardens into tartar when left on teeth for more than a day. Tartar is trickier to remove because brushing and flossing are not enough. Teeth cleanings are typically needed to get rid of tartar. It builds up on teeth surfaces and roots. It also creates gum pockets filled with tartar, plaque, and bacteria.
Bacteria getting under the gumline leads to the immune system sending antibodies to fight off the invaders. This causes the inflammation that damages teeth and tissue structures. Factors that increase a person’s risk of developing gum disease include:
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Our periodontist has additional training on diagnosing and treating issues that affect the gum tissues. Give us a call or visit our Summit clinic to learn more about gum disease and treatment options.
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