If your gums bleed
when you brush or floss, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist
as soon as possible.
According to Web MD,
gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and affects billions of people
all over the United States and around the world.
Gingivitis is the
least severe form of gum disease. Gingivitis will cause your gums to bleed, swell,
and become red. During this stage, you will have little if any discomfort. Gingivitis
is usually caused by poor oral hygiene and is reversible with a deep cleaning,
such as Root Planing and Scaling along with good oral hygiene.
Some contributing
factors when it comes to gingivitis include smoking, diabetes, genetic
predisposition, aging, systemic diseases, poor nutrition and stress. Hormonal
fluctuations, certain medications, puberty, HIV infection, substance abuse, and
pregnancy can also contribute to Gingivitis.
If left untreated, Gingivitis
can advance to the more serious periodontal disease. Also known as
periodontitis, it is caused by plaque spreading below your gum line. The toxins
that are produced by bacteria will irritate your gums causing the bone and
tissues that support your teeth to break down. When the gums become separated
from your teeth, pockets will begin to form allowing for infection. According to your dentist, once the
disease begins to progress those spaces, or pockets, will get deeper eventually
destroying bone and gum tissue.
Your dentist explains
that there are several types of periodontal disease with the most common being Aggressive
Periodontal Disease, Chronic Periodontitis, Periodontitis manifested by
systemic disease and Necrotizing Periodontitis caused by an infection of the
periodontal ligament, the alveolar bone and gingival tissues.
Aggressive Periodontal
Disease occurs when you are clinically healthy, but have not been practicing good oral hygiene habits including a healthy diet and regular checkups with
your dentist.
Chronic Periodontitis
is characterized by gap recession of the gingival tissue. Although it can
happen at any age, Chronic Periodontitis is most prevalent in adults.
Periodontitis
manifested by systemic disease usually starts at an early age. Systemic
conditions such as diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease have all
been associated with Periodontitis manifested by systemic disease.
Lesions that appear
because of Necrotizing Periodontitis are usually observed in people who suffer
from malnutrition, have an HIV infection or an immunosuppressant.
If you have Gingivitis
or Periodontal Disease symptoms, schedule an appointment with your dentist as
quickly as possible. Remember, it’s never too late. Gum disease can be reversed
as long as you seek professional help.
