Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease refers to the diseases of the gums, with gingivitis being the most mild and periodontitis the most severe. The most common cause of periodontal disease is poor oral hygiene habits such as brushing with an inadequate toothbrush, forgetting to floss, and neglecting to buy oral hygiene products that contain fluoride.

As plaque accumulates on the sides of the teeth, the gums become inflamed due to the bacteria. This inflammation eventually leads to gum recession, which exposes the tooth to a greater risk of decay. When left untreated, periodontal disease can result in bone loss.

The symptoms of periodontal disease vary based on the severity of the condition, but they commonly include:

• Red or purple gums
• Gum bleeding
• Gum recession
• Mouth soreness
• Bad breath (halitosis)
• Chewing pain
• Tooth mobility
• Bad taste
• Infections

There are four stages of periodontal disease. The first is gingivitis, usually indicated by gums that are red, slightly swollen, and prone to bleeding during normal brushing and flossing. Mild, moderate, and advanced periodontitis follow this stage with increasing levels of gum recession, infections, and bone loss.

Eventually, periodontal disease can weaken the bone structure to the point that teeth begin falling out. Periodontal disease is treatable if you begin treatment before bone loss occurs. If you wait, it can become incurable. However, in either case, plaque buildup is the biggest culprit of the condition. Therefore, the best preventative measures for periodontal disease are those that prevent plaque from forming.

These factors could indicate that you are at a higher risk for periodontal disease:

• Autoimmune disease
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Heart disease

Even stress could contribute to periodontal disease. Since the bacteria that causes it is contagious and can be passed through kissing or sharing utensils, prevention is key to ensuring that those with the early signs of gingivitis receive prompt treatment for their condition.

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