September was National Gum Care Month and it’s a great time to highlight the importance of gum health. According to the CDC, nearly half of all adults have some form of gum disease. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a broad term referring to the bacterial infection of periodontal tissues, which include the gingiva, cementum, alveolar bone, and the periodontal ligament.
Gingivitis is considered the early stage of gum disease and is reversible. If gingivitis is left untreated, infection of the gums will spread to surrounding periodontal tissues and result in periodontitis. In this advanced stage of gum disease, tooth loss is common.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease occurs when bacteria-ridden plaque and tartar remain on the teeth and around the gumline, resulting in infection and decay. The most common cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing, as well as visiting the dentist twice a year for cleanings, can go a long well in preventing gum disease.
Clinical Signs of Early and Advanced Gum Disease
When our gums are healthy, they are pink, firm to the touch, and shouldn’t cause any pain or discomfort. As a bacterial infection of the gums progresses, so do the signs and symptoms.
Signs of Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that primarily impacts the gingiva—the part of your gums surrounding the teeth. It can be easily treated with regular professional cleanings and good at-home oral hygiene. Signs of gingivitis include:
- Swollen gums
- Dark red or purplish gums
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Bad breath
- Tender gums
- Receding gums
Signs of Periodontitis
As gum disease advances, the infection begins to deteriorate the cementum, alveolar bone, and the periodontal ligament. Once periodontitis has set in it cannot be completely reversed. However, periodontal scaling and root planning is one treatment option to mitigate the effects of the disease. In addition to the above signs of gingivitis, when gum disease is in an advanced stage you may experience the following signs and symptoms:
- Spitting out blood when brushing or flossing your teeth
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Spaces developing between your teeth
- A change in bite (the way your teeth fit together when you bite down)
Schedule an Appointment
Ultimately, the health of our gums is linked to overall health. Prolonged inflammation and infection in one part of the body can lead to issues in other parts of the body. That’s why caring for the health of your gums is so important. If you suspect you may have gum disease, schedule an appointment with us at Country Club Dental Flagstaff today!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use. Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash (10/2/2020)
