Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an inflammatory condition caused by bacterial infection of the gums, ligaments, and bones supporting the teeth. The word periodontal means “around the tooth”.
The bacteria in dental plaque can cause inflammation of the gums, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and bleeding. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar). When plaque and calculus are not removed, they destroy the gums and bone.
Gum disease is a progressive disease that attacks the gums' supporting and surrounding tissue and the underlying jawbone.
The primary cause of gum disease is bacterial plaque. However, several factors can contribute to its development, including:
Gum disease symptoms can vary from mild to severe. However, the most common symptoms of gum disease include the following:
There are many varieties of periodontal disease and how these variations manifest themselves. All require immediate treatment by a dentist to halt the progression and save the gum tissue and bone.
This is the most common form of periodontal disease and is characterised by inflammation of the gums and the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth. Chronic periodontitis progresses slowly over time and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
This is a rare form of the periodontal disease characterised by the death of gum tissue, bone, and ligaments. Necrotising periodontal disease is usually accompanied by pain, bleeding, and bad breath.
Some systemic diseases, such as diabetes, can increase the risk of periodontal disease. This type of periodontal disease is more severe and difficult to manage than other types of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease progresses as the sulcus (pocket or space) between the tooth and gums gets filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar, irritating the surrounding tissues. When these irritants remain in the pocket space, they can cause damage to the gums and, eventually, the bone that supports the teeth.
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and it is characterised by inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque buildup. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is reversible with professional dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing.
Early periodontitis is characterised by the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth due to the progression of gingivitis. Bacteria and plaque can accumulate in these pockets, leading to further inflammation and damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Early periodontitis can be treated with scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
Moderate periodontitis occurs when the damage caused by early periodontitis is not treated, leading to further destruction of the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Symptoms include receding gums, loose teeth, and tooth sensitivity. Treatment may include more extensive scaling and root planing procedures and antibiotics.
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage of gum disease, characterised by significant damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Tooth loss is common at this stage, and treatment may require surgical intervention, such as bone and tissue grafts, to regenerate lost bone and tissue.
Diagnosing gum disease involves a comprehensive evaluation of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Here are the steps involved in the diagnosis of gum disease:
In some cases, additional tests, such as bacterial or genetic testing, may be needed to diagnose gum diseases. It is important to schedule regular dental checkups and seek prompt treatment if any signs of gum disease are present to prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures of the teeth.
Your dentist may choose to perform many surgical and nonsurgical treatments, depending upon the exact condition of the teeth, gums and jawbone.
A complete periodontal exam of the mouth will be done before any treatment is performed or recommended.
Here are some of the more common treatments for periodontal disease:
Recent research has shown that periodontal disease may be linked to systemic diseases and health conditions. Here are some conditions that are related to gum disease:
It is well-documented that people with diabetes are more susceptible to developing infections than non-diabetes sufferers. It is not widely known that periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes, particularly when the diabetes is not under proper control.
Diabetes is characterised by too much blood glucose (or sugar). People with type II diabetes cannot regulate insulin levels, meaning excess glucose stays in the blood. Type I diabetics do not produce any insulin at all. Diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Experts suggest the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease can worsen both conditions if either condition is not properly controlled.
Here are ways in which diabetes and periodontal disease are linked:
Periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. While the exact relationship between periodontal disease and these systemic conditions is still being studied, researchers believe that inflammation and infection caused by periodontal disease may contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque buildup in the arteries can lead to heart disease and stroke. Researchers believe that the inflammation caused by periodontal disease may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, and people with periodontal disease may be at a higher risk of developing this condition.
Recent studies have suggested that periodontal disease may increase the risk of stroke. Researchers believe that the inflammation and infection caused by periodontal disease may contribute to the development of blood clots, which can lead to stroke.
Treating periodontal disease may help improve cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that treating Periodontal Disease can improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation in the body, which may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Pregnant women with periodontal disease are at a higher risk of developing complications such as premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes can make the gums more susceptible to inflammation and infection. This can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease has been linked to pregnancy complications, including premature birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. The inflammation caused by Periodontal Disease may contribute to these complications.
Treating periodontal disease during pregnancy is safe and can help reduce the risk of complications. Non-surgical treatments such as scaling and root planing can be performed during pregnancy, and antibiotics may be prescribed if necessary.
Maintaining oral hygiene during pregnancy is essential to prevent and manage periodontal disease. Regular brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups can help prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
Periodontal disease and osteoporosis are two conditions that may be linked. Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle, and studies have shown that people with osteoporosis may be at an increased risk of developing periodontal disease.
Osteoporosis can affect the bones that support the teeth, making them more susceptible to damage and infection. This can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease can accelerate bone loss in people with osteoporosis, weakening the bones supporting the teeth and making them more susceptible to damage and infection.
Hormonal changes may contribute to the development of both periodontal disease and osteoporosis. For example, decreased oestrogen levels in postmenopausal women may increase the risk of developing both conditions.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for preventing and managing periodontal disease and osteoporosis. Regular brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups can help prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
Treating periodontal disease can help improve bone health in people with osteoporosis. By reducing inflammation and infection in the gums, treatment may help prevent further bone loss.
Periodontal disease has been linked to an increased risk of respiratory disease. The bacteria and inflammation caused by Periodontal Disease can enter the lungs through inhalation, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and diseases.
Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory infections and diseases. In people with periodontal disease, the levels of harmful bacteria in the mouth increase the risk of bacterial pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.
Periodontal Disease may make respiratory infections more severe. The inflammation caused by Periodontal Disease can weaken the immune system and make it more difficult for the body to fight infections.
Treating Periodontal Disease may help improve respiratory health. Treating harmful bacteria in the mouth may help prevent respiratory infections and diseases.
Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is essential for preventing and managing periodontal disease and reducing the risk of respiratory disease. Regular brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups can help prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
If left untreated, gum disease can severely damage the gums, teeth, and supporting structures. Untreated gum disease can result in tooth loss and even affect your overall health. Recent studies have linked gum disease to an increased risk of several systemic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
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