Knowing Gum Disease Better | Shinagawa Dental Blog

Knowing Gum Disease Better

Curious if you have healthy gums? You should be as your gums’ health is integral for your oral health as well. You should perhaps know if you have gum disease.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as a periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Here are some signs that may signify that you might have gum disease:

  • Red, swollen, tender gums
  • Gums bleed easily
  • Constant bad breath or bad taste
  • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
  • Any change in the fit of partial dentures
  • Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

Moreover, here are some factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease:

  • Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Genetics
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Diabetes
  • Medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers, and oral contraceptives

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone and may occur in some areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.

It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.

Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring.

See our dentists if you suspect you have gum disease. The sooner you get treatment, the better.

Call our Patient Care Lines: (+632) 7-368 5238 | (+63) 917 862 7454 | (+63) 921 217 0517 to schedule a FREE dental consultation.

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