Periodontal Disease | Oxfordshire & Hampshire
Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums, which gradually destroy the support of your natural teeth. Learning you have gum disease can be distressing, especially if you have heard of the variety of health conditions associated with this chronic infection. The truth is that a good percentage of adults have gum disease. This process can begin so mildly that it is barely noticeable but has the capability of progressing to the point of tooth loss.
What causes gum disease?
Dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease in genetically susceptible individuals. Plaque constantly forms on your teeth. Each person has millions of bacteria that live in the mouth. When combined with saliva, food debris, and other particles, bacteria form plaque, a sticky substance that collects near the gum line. Bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums, which may cause them to turn red, swell and bleed easily. If this irritation is prolonged, the gums separate from the teeth, causing pockets (spaces) to form. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth loss.
If plaque is not successfully removed, the substance will eventually harden into tartar, which can only be removed in a dental office under the experience of your dentist or hygienist.
Stages of gum disease
Periodontal diseases can be accelerated by a number of different factors. However, it is mainly caused by the bacteria found in dental plaque. Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include Smoking, Diabetes, Stress, Clenching and grinding teeth, Medication and Poor nutrition.
Gingivitis
When gum tissue first becomes irritated by the colonization of bacteria at the gum line, they become inflamed. We call this gingivitis. This early stage of gum disease is difficult to detect. Gums may look swollen and red, but usually not to a large degree. One of the biggest indicators of gum disease is bleeding. Gingivitis affects only the gum tissue and does not threaten the underlying bone that supports teeth.
Periodontitis
If gingivitis is not detected nor treated, gum disease will progress into periodontitis, which translates into “inflammation around a tooth.” Periodontitis is more noticeable than gingivitis, with gum tissue pulling away from the teeth. The danger with gum recession is that pockets form, allowing bacteria to move into the area between the tooth root and the gums. As the infection progresses, the body responds by beginning to break down the connective tissues and bones that keep teeth stabilized. If the disease process continues, the risk of losing teeth significantly increases.