Gum disease is a common problem, which affects the soft tissues and supporting bone around teeth. There are two main types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis involves inflammation of the gum adjacent to the visible part of the tooth and periodontitis involves inflammation of the deeper supporting tissues of the tooth (bone, ligament and cement). If these supporting structures around the tooth are severely affected, then the tooth may become loose, may drift or be lost.
Lots of bacteria reside in your mouth. Plaque forms when bacteria and saliva come together. You get rid of plaque when you floss and brush, and when you visit your dentist regularly to remove excess plaque below the gum line. Tartar is hardened plaque. Tartar causes gingivitis, a condition characterized by inflammation, swelling, and bleeding in the gums. Brushing and flossing reverses gingivitis.
If plaque isn’t properly removed from teeth by brushing and flossing, it accumulates and hardens underneath the gum line into tartar. Once tartar builds up, it’s much more difficult to remove than plaque and usually requires a cleaning at the dentist. Over time, it can lead to inflamed gums, or gingivitis. This is a mild form of gum disease.
One of the most common symptoms is darker red gums that bleed with brushing or flossing. Professional cleaning can reverse gingivitis. If there is bleeding with pain, it is a symptom that the infection and inflammation has spread to the deeper tissues and bone, called periodontitis.
Though gum disease often exhibits some symptoms, it may be possible to have the disease active in your mouth without any warning signs. This is why regular dental visits are very important. You don’t want to be ignoring bacteria attacking your gums that you were never aware of in the first place.
Gum disease can best be prevented by maintaining a regular regimen of care. This includes brushing and flossing twice per day. You should schedule regular visits (at least twice per year) with your dental professional to get professional cleaning and plaque removal. Avoiding habits that encourage tartar growth also prevents the onslaught of gum disease.
