Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gum tissues. Doctors see it all too often. From inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) to more serious infections and complications (periodontitis), there is a wide range of severity.
Gum disease affects the health of your mouth and teeth, and according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, it can also affect your general health. This is because an infection in the mouth due to gum disease can travel to other parts of your body through the bloodstream. Gum disease is also a risk factor for heart disease and can play a role in blood sugar levels.
Causes and Risk Factors
Gum disease is essentially caused by the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. If you brush and floss daily, this bacteria is washed away, but if you do ot, it turns into plaque. If left unchecked, this plaque buildup can lead to gum disease.
Some of the common risk factors for gum disease include not taking good care of your teeth, failing to have one’s teeth cleaned every six months, experiencing hormonal changes, smoking cigarettes, developing diabetes, being genetically predisposed to gum disease, or taking certain types of medications.
Gingivitis versus Periodontitis
There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Both are bad for you, but gingivitis is less severe. It is typically the first stage and involves inflammation of the gums from plaque and tartar on the teeth. If your gums are swollen and bleeding, this is a sign of gingivitis.
Periodontitis, a more severe case of gum disease, occurs when your gums pull away from the teeth and pockets form. These pockets are a concern because they can harbor infection.
Treatments for Gum Disease
Treatments for gum disease depend on the cause and severity. One of the most common treatments is deep cleaning to remove the plaque underneath the gum line—called root scaling and planing. Antibiotics placed under the gums may also be advised to rid you of an infection or reduce the inflammation. Surgical procedures, including flap surgery and bone and tissue grafts, are needed in some cases.
If you have bleeding or swollen gums, pockets between your gums and teeth, pain, or other issues, you might have gum disease. Visit Gold Coast Family Dental of Port Washington for an exam and to learn the best course of action.
