Most people know the importance of caring for their teeth, but did you know that taking care of your gums is just as important? Gums play an important role in the health and function of your smile. Any plaque that builds up on the teeth affects the health of your gum tissue first and can lead to the first stage of gum disease.
The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. It can cause issues such as redness, swelling, bleeding gums, and sensitivity. The more serious form of gum disease is called periodontitis. It can cause more advanced issues such as gums recession, severe pain, secondary infections and tooth loss. In order to avoid the problems that come with gum disease, you need to get answers to your questions so you can take action.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of gums. The infection is caused by bacteria and can lead to symptoms that range from inflamed gums to tooth loss. Gum disease ranges in severity with gingivitis being the mild form and periodontitis being the more serious form. Gum disease can develop quickly and there are a number of factors that impact your susceptibility to developing the condition.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. Symptoms include red, swollen gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, plaque and calculus present. But no bone loss and no root exposure present in this stage. This is the only kind of gum disease that is reversible and a doctor can perform a routine cleaning.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advance form of gum disease. It is includes symptoms like red, swollen gums, bleeding gums, heavy plaque and calculus accumulation, severe bone loss and sever gum recession. Sometimes pus discharge can be present from gums. Periodically teeth may become loose. Routine scaling with flap surgery or laser treatment is required at this stage.
Gum disease is a common problem but it is also treatable and preventable if you are proactive. You can start today by improving your oral hygiene routine and scheduling your next cleaning with your dentist. If you have specific concerns about your gums, then go for a dental check-up as soon as possible to prevent the side effects of severe gum disease.
DR. SMITESH PATEL (MDS)
Laxminarayan Dental Clinic,
Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India.
