GUM DISEASE DEFINED + EXPLAINED

Gum disease is the initial inflammation of the gums around your teeth that can lead to deterioration of the gum tissue and even the bone that supports the teeth. The primary culprit is plaque. Let’s break it down and take you through the process and identify a contributing factor or two that leads to the plaque buildup.

That Nasty Dental Plaque

Dental plaque is a film or a mass of bacteria that grows on different surfaces in your mouth. Understand first that the mouth is full of bacteria on a regular basis. That is why the health industries strongly recommend that you brush your teeth at least twice a day. This simple activity will remove that plaque that wants to stick to your teeth. They also want you to floss in between your teeth at least once a day. These are difficult areas for the toothbrush to reach and plaque will stick there as well. If you don’t remove the plaque it sticks to your teeth holding bacteria. It will then turn into a harder material called tartar. Either plaque or tartar on your teeth, next to your gums, is where the first step begins.

Periodontal Problems

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis or gum inflammation. The plaque has begun to build up resulting in the gums becoming inflamed. They will be easy to bleed when you brush. So if your toothbrush has a pink tinge when you’re finished you might want to call your dentist. The next regression is periodontitis, or gum disease. If you have not gotten the inflammation treated the gum disease advances. The inner layer of the gum and the bone start to pull away from the teeth creating pockets. These small spaces collect more debris and become infected. The pockets will deepen as the good enzymes that fight off infections are overwhelmed by the toxins and poisons in the bacteria in the plaque. This can and will result in the bone breaking down and the teeth will no longer be anchored in place resulting in loose teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Some of the Factors contributing to Gum Disease

First and foremost, poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing make it too easy for gum disease to get a good start. Smoking is also hard on your gums making it harder for the gums to repair itself. Different medications can affect oral health. Something as simple as less saliva can have a negative effect. If you have encountered a serious illness like cancer or HIV that interferes with the immune system. Diabetes is also tough on gum disease. Hormonal changes make the gums more sensitive therefore making it easier for gingivitis to develop. Finally, if you have a family history of gum disease that can be a contributing factor. Please schedule a visit to see your dentist if your gums are bleeding easily, if they are red, tender and swollen, or even if you have regular bad breath. Stop it before it gets started.

Mobile's West Mobile Dental Care is an advanced general and cosmetic dentist that can help you with most stages of your gum disease issues. Contact our office today to find out more.

If you're just interested in learning more about gum disease and information regarding, here's some supplementary reading on curing gum disease.