Periodontal (gum) diseases, including
gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left
untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one
tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial
plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth.
In addition, factors including but not limited to smoking, genetics,
stress, medications and systemic diseases also affect the health of your
gums.
Periodontal disease begins when your gums become red and
swollen due to the accumulation of dental plaque. Often, there is
little discomfort and you may not even notice that there is a problem.
Gingivitis, which is the mildest form of periodontal disease, is often
the result of poor oral hygiene and can be easily reversed with
professional treatment and home care. Unfortunately, if left untreated,
gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontal problems. If dental
plaque is allowed to grow below the gum line it may overwhelm your
body's ability to fight the infection and the health of your teeth is
jeopardized.
What Can Cause Infection Activity?
People
with periodontal disease have low resistance to periodontal bacteria.
Each time this gum infection grows, more support around your teeth is
lost. Some factors which can cause this are:
* Poor oral hygiene
* Dental plaque
* Smoking
* Genetic factors
* Stress or tension
* Diet
* Age
* Illness
Symptoms
Usually
periodontal infection is painless until it reaches more advanced
stages. There are some symptoms, however, that can indicate the
presence of periodontal infection. These include:
* Red or swollen gums
* Bleeding when brushing or at other times
* Aching, itchy, sore or tender gums
* Receding gums (teeth begin to look longer)
* Bad breath
* Any change int he way your teeth fit together when you bite
* Loose, separating or protruding teeth
* Spaces between your teeth
It
is important to note that your gums can look and feel quite normal and
yet deep pockets of periodontal infection can still be present. To be
certain, ask your dentist or periodontist to examine your gums for signs
of infection.
