Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious condition that could lead to a plethora of problems in your mouth.  It’s known as periodontal disease in medical circles, and is a common affliction that affects roughly a third of the population. 

At the most basic level it is an infection of the gum tissue between the teeth.  That small v-shaped portion of gums between the teeth is called a sulcus, and it can be a breeding ground for tartar and bacteria.  An infection of this tissue can cause the gums to recede.  As a result, the attachment of the gums to the teeth is broken and a pocket is formed.  The severity of gum disease is proportional to the size of the pocket created.

Diseases of the gum are loosely classified into two categories.  The first category is called gingivitis, and it is the more prevalent of the two gum diseases.  Gingivitis is the initial form of gum disease that is milder and reversible.  When gingivitis progresses beyond repair, it becomes what is known as periodontitis.  This is a more serious form of gum disease that is destructive to both tissue and bone within the mouth.

Certain people are more susceptible to gum disease.  Factors that could elevate the risk of developing a periodontal disease are:

• Cigarette smoking
• Chewing tobacco
• Diabetes
• Steroids
• Oral contraceptives
• Cancer therapy drugs
• Improperly fitted tooth bridges
• Crooked teeth
• Bad fillings
• Poor oral hygiene
• Pregnancy

Common symptoms of gum disease are as follows:

·        Bleeding gums

·        Swollen and tender gums

·        Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

·        Bad breath that won’t go away

·        Loose teeth

Not all of these symptoms may appear in your mouth if you have a gum disease.  In fact, some victims don’t develop any symptoms at all.  That’s why it’s important to keep up with regular visits to the dentist for cleaning and inspection.  A good regime of oral hygiene is also a preventative procedure.  There’s no excuse for developing gum disease, as it is easily preventable with proper care and checkups.  However, should you develop gum disease, it’s best to have it treated right away.  By checking the progress of the disease early on it’s possible to reverse the damage caused by gum decay.

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