Gum disease causes the inflammation of the gums, and leads to severe damage of the enamel. Due to irregular brushing, a sticky colorless or pale deposit, known as plaque,starts affecting teeth and gums as well. The bacteria present in plaque are responsible for different gum diseases.In extreme cases, your teeth have to be removed by a dentist.
The Stages of Gum Diseases
Close study has revealed three different stages of gum diseases:
Gingivitis
This is the beginning phase of gum disease. It shows through an enlargement of the gums,as a result of an intense plaque development or germ growth along the gum-line. Regular flossing and brushing are likely to remove the plaque but if they fail, there’s the chance for poisonous substances or toxins to form, causing damages to the tissues. This phenomenon is known as Gingivitis. It may often lead to gum bleeding during brushing. The disease can be cured as the internal tissues and bones are not harmed yet.
Periodontitis
This is a further developed stage of gingivitis. The bones and connective tissues at the base or root of the teeth get damaged. A small swelling may be noticed at the base of the gum that may look like a pocket. This creates room for plaque and sugar filled or sticky foods to set in. Further germ development can be prevented by properly taking care of our oral hygiene at home.
Advanced Periodontitis
This is the last stage of a gum disease, where the bones or tissues providing support to the teeth, are completely worn away. This may loosen the teeth, causing deformity or shifting of teeth and leading to a bad bite or an unhealthy smile. People, who are subject to this stage of gum disease, have to undergo harsh treatments often ending in teeth extraction.
Treating Gum Diseases
There is no particular age for gum diseases to strike, even though adults are potentially more affected by it.
- Common symptoms of gum disease are:
- Red and swollen gums
- Bleeding gums
- Deformed or separated gums
- Running puss in between gums and teeth
- Bad breath
Earlier stages of gum disease can be treated and kept under control by proper dental care. Regular brushing and periodic flossing will help in reducing plaque. Regular cleaning by a professional dentist is a more hygienic way of removing hardened tartar. A proper scaling is done to remove the thin deposit of plaque and tartar at the base of the gum. The patient may have to go through root planing treatment, if the condition is very serious. Root planing is a process that helps in smoothing the irregular shape of teeth at the roots, which reduces plaque deposit.
A periodic dental checkup is necessary during the first stages of gum problems,to avoid them getting worse. Contact us at 203.255.7771.