Gum Disease
When Should I be Concerned?
It is important for you to monitor the state of your teeth on a regular basis to ensure that all possible symptoms of gum disease are addressed on time. You should get concerned when you start having bad breath or bleeding gums when brushing your teeth. Gum disease can make you lose your teeth as it affects tissues and jaw bones that keep your teeth in place. It damages your jaw and in the process opens spaces between your teeth and the gum.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease or periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that reside around your gums and teeth. Every person has some common bacteria in their mouth that form a major source of gum disease. Failure to floss, flush or brush your teeth on a regular basis leads to a higher concentration of these bacteria and in the process increasing the chances of gum disease.Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease. The stage is characterised by bleeding or inflammation of gum due to the multiplication of bacterial around your teeth. The bacterium resides in tartar or plaque around the gum line making you experience the first signs of gingivitis in the absence of proper treatment.
Although some of the bacteria in the plaque may not be harmful, it is important to point out most of them can damage your gums. The bacteria in the plaque feed on starchy or sugary foods that remain in your mouth after eating turning the carbohydrates into acid and energy. The acid begins to cause tooth decay by breaking down the tooth’s surface as the bacterial irritates the gums. Consequently, the gums become sore and inflamed as a result of this irritation. A dental hygienist has the necessary expertise and equipment to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. The most common risk factors for gum disease include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Stress
- Malnutrition
- A weakened immune system
- Diabetes
- Smoking
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It is important to have regular dental check-ups as it is sometimes difficult to detect gum disease on your own. Some of the most notable sights of gum disease during the initial stages include bleeding gums as well as red and swollen gums. As mentioned earlier, this stage is commonly referred to as Gingivitis. Failure to effectively treat gingivitis leads to more advanced symptoms because the disease starts to affect the bones and tissues that support your teeth. The most notable advanced symptoms of gum disease include:
- Collection of pus under your teeth or gums
- Loss of teeth
- Unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Bad breath
There are some instances where one can develop a condition known as acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis when the disease is not treated in its initial stages. The condition is associated with symptoms like:
- Fever
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Excess saliva
- Receding gums
- Painful ulcers
Prevention and Treatment of Gum Disease
Maintaining a high level of oral hygiene helps in the treatment of mild cases of dental hygiene. Oral hygiene involves regular flossing and brushing of your teeth at least two times in a day. It is also important for you to visit your dentist regularly for routine dental check-ups. Hardened plague can be thoroughly cleaned and removed by a dental hygienist to prevent gum disease. A professional dentist is in a better position to advise you on how to prevent future plaque build-up and some of the best ways of brushing your teeth.
Save your Dental Health Today!
If you have a feeling you might have gum disease of gingivitis, please speak to one of our professional dentists today! The sooner your condition is being managed, the better it will be for your health in the long term.
Contact us at (03) 8595 2632 to schedule an appointment today!
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