The discomfort or bleeding in your gums means you might suffer from gum disease!
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is one of the most known diseases affecting the oral cavity. It causes pain and swelling and, if not properly treated, results in tooth loss. To prevent them, the different types of gum disease should be known.
Periodontal diseases have varying causes and symptoms. Early detection helps in most cases. Here, we will discuss the significant categories of gum diseases, their causes, and symptoms. Get the facts for better oral health!
What Is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a severe gum infection that may affect the stability of the teeth, affecting the gum tissue and the outer lining of the mouth. If left untreated, it can preferably damage the gums that hold your teeth in place, leading to tooth loss.
Periodontal disease starts with inflammation of the gums, also called gingivitis. In the long run, it becomes a more severe condition. Periodontal disease is an infection process caused by bacteria. The leading cause is poor oral health.
Proper dental care can prevent it. The best approach to managing the problem is to get a dentist early to avoid further deterioration.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
It is essential to know gum disease symptoms in order not to have severe oral issues arise. Symptoms might be as moderate as itching or potentially threatening life. Here are the common symptoms to watch for:
- Red or swollen gums: Inflammation tends to be one of the first indicators of an infection.
- Bleeding gums: If you use your toothbrush or floss, your gums may also bleed.
- Receding gums: It also causes gums to recede, exposing your roots.
- Bad breath: it may be chronic in nature due to bacterial buildup.
- Loose teeth: In the later stages, gum disease can affect the stability of teeth support.
- Pain or tenderness: Some discomfort in your gums calls for cause for alarm. There could be a problem with your teeth.
In case you observe any of these signs, it’s important to seek remedies immediately. Consult a dentist and get yourself checked to identify the main problem. Timely meditation is key to avoiding a more extensive issue with teeth or gum.
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is not something that develops overnight. One way or the other, it does take time. A person can avoid getting gum disease since the information about the causes is available. Here are the main gum disease causes:
- Poor oral hygiene: Skip brushing does not remove plaque from the teeth and leads to gum issues.
- Plaque and tartar: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that hardens to form a deposit known as tartar if left to build up. This irritates your gums.
- Smoking or tobacco use: Smoking also suppresses the immune system, and therefore, it becomes hard to fight off infections.
- Hormonal changes: Gums are tender and susceptible to diseases when the woman is pregnant, when she is in a post-menopausal period, or when the person is overwhelmed with the acute phase of puberty.
- Genetics: People who have a hereditary predisposition to gum diseases are more likely to be affected by the treatment as well.
- Chronic conditions: Certain diseases, for instance diabetes, cause your gums to become even more unhealthy.
- Certain medications: Since the mouth becomes dry due to some medicines, it means the individual is prone to periodontal diseases.
Such causes can lead to all forms of gum diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Addressing these problems can reduce your risk and give you good gums.
Types of Gum Disease
Periodontal disease can be categorized into three stages each with its symptoms and level of advancement. Knowledge of the types of gum diseases will enable you to know when you are affected and what you need to do about it.
1. Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the least severe type of gum disease. It causes inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums, especially when brushing or flossing. This is generally due to oral hygiene, which is the chief culprit.
Gingivitis is not very severe because it is one of those dental diseases that is reversible. Proper brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can prevent gingivitis from getting to this stage.
2. Periodontitis
Periodontitis is among the severe forms of gum disease. It occurs when gingivitis is not treated. The gingivitis stage is characterized by gums receding from the teeth, forming spaces that harbor bacteria.
As the years progress it erodes the bone that houses your teeth within your jaws. This may cause one to develop wobbly teeth or even loss of teeth. Periodontitis needs a professional intervention to avoid the worsening of the situation.
3. Aggressive Periodontitis
They are still active and result in destructive forms of periodontitis, which begins with severe inflammation and rapidly spreads to the gums and bone. It afflicts people of any age, though it may be found in healthy individuals.
In order to arrest its development, there is a need to diagnose the cause early and seek medical attention.
4. Chronic Periodontitis
Gingivitis and chronic periodontitis are the two most frequent forms of the disease. It gradually unfolds over the years and mainly occurs in the adult group. Some of the signs include bad breath, developing gum disease, and loose teeth or pockets.
Management includes scaling and removing tartar and other debris, followed by appropriate medications and occasionally surgery.
5. The Periodontal Disease
Equally, it is an uncommon but severe form of gum disease. It leads to damage to the gum, tissues, and bone. It is often seen in immunocompromised patients or those in generally poor nutritional health. The spread of infection requires immediate intervention to prevent it from worsening.
Learning about the various types of gum diseases enables one to prevent its consequences on his or her mouth. If you see signs, stop whatever you are doing and go see a dentist right away. That is the reason one has to wait until early to act; the result can make a huge difference.
Conclusion
Periodontal disease is a terrible dental ailment that, if unchecked, will catch up with many people. Knowing the various forms of gum disease, their cause, and what may indicate them is important in ensuring you avoid complications.
Prevention is the only cure; however, brushing and flossing your teeth, visiting the dentist often, and living a healthy lifestyle will go a long way. In case you experience any specifics of gum disease, do not hesitate to turn to your dentist for help. Healthy gums are tied nicely to the teeth, and care given today can give you a better smile tomorrow.
FAQs
What are the different forms of periodontal diseases?
These include gingivitis (inflammation), mild periodontitis (gum and bone destruction), and advanced periodontitis (severe bone loss, mobile teeth, and possible tooth loss).
Can you get periodontal disease from others?
Not at all. Periodontal disease does not cause other kinds of disease or spread from one person to another.
What is the prevalence of periodontal disease?
Gingivitis is a very common disease in the world. It is present in up to 50% of the population.
Can periodontal disease be hereditary?
Indeed, genes may be involved. If, for example, gum disease is hereditary in your family, your possibility of developing it might be higher, but proper oral hygiene will help you avoid it.