Gum disease

What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums caused by the bacteria in plaque. If it isn't removed day by day with brushing and flossing, the bacteria will infect not only your gums and teeth, but the bone as well. Your teeth become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
There are three stages of gum disease: gingivitis, periodontitis, advanced periodontal disease.

What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. This is an inflammation of the gums around the teeth caused by plaque. Gums are mildly inflamed, may be red and swollen, and you can notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing of your teeth.
At this early stage, this can be reversed, because the bone and tissue are not yet affected.

What is periodontitis?
If gingivitis is not treated properly, it may turn into periodontitis, that means that your gums begin to separate from your teeth, which allows plaque to move forward to the roots, bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place. If this disease is not treated, pockets may form below your gums; your teeth become loose and may eventually fall out.

What is advanced periodontitis?
Advanced periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease when the gum tissue and bone are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. If no treatment is effective, your teeth can't be saved and may need to be removed.

How do I know if I have gum disease? What are the signs of it?
When your gums bleed during brushing, flossing or eating.
When your gums are red, swollen, or tender.
When you notice a constant unpleasant breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
When your teeth look longer because your gums have receded from your teeth.
When you notice pockets under your gum lines, and pus may come from between your teeth and gums.

Does smoking affect my gums and teeth?
Yes, smoking has a bad effect on your gums and teeth and also can lead to gum disease. Smokers are more likely to produce bacterial plaque. Smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so healing can't proceed, and gum disease progresses more rapidly than in the mouth of non-smokers.

How is gum disease treated?
You must have good oral health that will keep plaque from building up.
Visit your dentist or hygienist regularly for checkups and a professional cleaning. Your dentist or hygienist will clean your teeth to remove the plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar.
The early stage of gum disease can be treated before it leads to a much more serious condition.