GUM DISEASES??? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.

GUM DISEASES??? EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW.

• Gum disease / Periodontal disease are mostly not related to pain until it reaches to advanced level where nothing can be done to save the tooth and bone
• Gum diseases are mostly ignored but they are a major cause of tooth loss in most of the patients.
• You must be thinking that you are taking good care of your teeth and gums but it may not be true. 
• You might be missing few warning signs that can lead to gum disease.
• Curious? Read further to know more.

                                                               HEALTHY GUMS

Before we proceed to understand how gum disease starts and progresses, I want you to know how healthy teeth and gums look like with the help of picture below :

     Image Source: Merck- Home Health Handbook

Healthy gums should be  pink , firm and not bleed. 

GINGIVITIS

The first step of starting of gum disease is accumulation of Plaque(sticky, soft layer of unhealthy bacteria formed on teeth because of food left frequently on teeth).

                                                                             Image Source: Merck- Home Health Handbook

This plaque  accumulates in between gums and teeth if not cleaned properly and pulls the gums away from teeth creating a pocket. This is when the first stage of gum disease starts known as Gingivitis 
(gums are also known as gingiva).

                           




           


How to check whether you are suffering from gingivitis??

Don't worry, here are few signs you can look for :

  1. Redness in gums (healthy gums are pink).

  2. Little swelling on gums (healthy gums are firm).

  3. Bleeding from gums while brushing, flossing or biting on a fruit.

 EARLY GUM DISEASE ( EARLY PERIODONTITIS)

•   If not paid attention,gum disease enters stage 2 where the accumulated soft plaque starts turning hard and is known as tartar.

•  Also , it starts accumulating  more in between gums and teeth and approaches more below affecting the bone(every tooth is supported and is in position because of bone).

•  Slowly the gums are pulled away more from teeth and bone starts to dissolve or destroy.This stage 2 is known as Early Periodontitis(early gum disease).

Image Source: Merck- Home Health Handbook

Below are the signs that will show you that you are suffering from early periodontitis:

1.Gums have starting going down or receding than normal.

2. Teeth start appearing longer.

3. Sensitivity with hot and cold.

4. Also,you will find tartar on surface of teeth.

5.Frequent bleeding from gums.

SEVERE GUM DISEASE (ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS)

•   The bad scenario when I see  patients avoiding at stage 2 as there is no pain or tooth is not moving and now this can be dangerous for patients and also dentist is left with very few or no options to save tooth.

•  If not resolved at early periodontitis it can enter the stage known as Advanced Periodontistis(severe gum disease) and at this level the destruction of bone is faster than before.

Image Source: Merck- Home Health Handbook

These are some signs and symptoms a person will have at this stage :

1. Pain while chewing or increased sensitivity in teeth.

2. Swollen gums and redness have also increased.

3.Spontaneous bleeding from gums.

4.Teeth start appearing more longer.

5. Mobility with few teeth.

6. Tartar appears more on teeth and replaces the most of bone around teeth causing teeth to become        weak and move.

7. Some can also see pus discharge.

8. Severe bad breath.

9. Foul taste in mouth.

RISK FACTORS:

Poor oral hygiene is the major cause of gum disease. But along with that a number of things can increase the risk of increasing or developing gum problems.

 These include

Smoking or chewing tobacco

Pregnancy

Diabetes

Few medications

Stress

Weakened immunity

Malnutrition

KNOW WHAT IS YOUR ROLE TO HAVE HEALTHY GUMS :

 Gum diseases also affects your overall health except your teeth, so it is very important to prevent and treat it as early as possible.

1. Now you know that in order to prevent gum disease , the first thing is not allow plaque accumulation. 

To know steps to maintain clean and plaque free mouth click the link below

https://dentistparita.blogspot.com/2020/03/step-wise-guidelines-to-keep-your-mouth.html

2. If you find yourself in any of the stages above kindly go to dentist and get deep cleaning done and then maintain oral hygiene by following the steps i have mentioned in the above link.

3. If you belong to any of the categories who are at high risk, follow preventive measures to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check up.

4. Remember it is very important that you observe your teeth and gums at regular intervals to avoid any major problems

You can also mail me any queries related to your dental problems on dentistparita@gmail.com for free advice.