Gum disease is a bacterial illness that afflicts the gums and bones surrounding the teeth in the mouth. It often starts as gingivitis and develops over time into periodontitis, a series of gum infections and inflammations that often accompany each other. If left untreated, gum disease can eventually lead to tooth and gum loss.
Gingivitis begins when bacteria accumulates and grows on teeth (plaque) and in the spaces between teeth and gums. This is usually not noticeable and the sufferer hardly experiences any discomfort. Gingivitis causes redness of gums, inflammation and bleeding, mostly because of poor oral hygiene. However, sufferers can cure the disease through proper oral hygiene involving daily brushing, flossing and usage of disinfectant mouthwashes.
However, if left untreated, gingivitis gradually becomes periodontitis, a more serious form of the bacterial infection. The plaque that develops and grows on teeth may spread below the gums and multiply the amount of bacteria that in turn produce toxins that irritate the gum, causing discomfort, swelling and bleeding. The immune system then responds by breaking down the gum and bone tissue that supports the teeth, causing periodontitis. As the infection spreads, gum tissue loosens, providing space for more bacteria to grow with the teeth also becoming shaky due to loss of supportive tissue.
Like gingivitis, you can prevent periodontitis through proper daily oral hygiene. However, if infected, a sufferer needs to consult their dentist to determine the level of seriousness and the requisite treatment. Periodontitis sufferers also need to use a ‘soft’ toothbrush to avoid further damage to the tooth and gums.
Dentists frequently use special instruments to clean the areas below the gumline to attack the periodontitis-causing plaque that grows there. Dentists also provide a set of medicines that penetrate the plaque and remove the infecting bacteria. During the duration of cure and recovery from gum disease, regular dental checkups are also necessary to monitor oral hygiene and response to medication.
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Gum disease is becoming quite a common problem. In addition to what you have written here, a research that was conducted by dental students confirmed what I have been thinking a huge contributor to gum disease – stress! Stress is a big factor but the basics – brushing, flossing, mouth-washing daily, and having regular dental checks – at least twice per year, is paramount in keeping healthy mouths.
As you have mentioned, taking care of gingivitis will save us from periodontitis – and the only way to ensure it does not get that far is to make and keep regular dental appointments.
Also, when highly stressed, one should take extra vitamin B – it does help!
Thanks for sharing this useful post.
Yes, unfortunately stress is a contributor to many problems and shouldn’t have been overlooked in this specific issue.
Thank you for feedback and great tip!