Did you know that three out of every ten Australian adults suffer from mild to severe gum disease at any one time? We don’t typically think about our oral care outside of our teeth. Yet, almost half of all people suffer from some gum disease. However, most people are unaware that leaving gum disease untreated may have a severe effect on your dental health. That results in inflammation, gum shrinkage, and even tooth loss. Your gums are an important component of your dental and general health. You need to treat your oral health with the same respect as any other part of your body, if not more. Maintaining excellent dental health is essential for general health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy smile is possible by being aware of gum disease symptoms and identifying problems early on.
What Is and What Types of Gum Disease Are There?
Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two kinds of gum disorders that may damage the teeth and gums, respectively. Gingivitis and periodontitis are gum or periodontal disease when they occur together. Periodontal disease is an infection and inflammation that affects the tissues in your mouth. These include the teeth, the gums, periodontal tissues, and tooth sockets. Bacteria causes infections and damages to the tissues that hold the teeth. Both forms of gum disease are quite prevalent among people in Australia. However, you can prevent both diseases or at least have their symptoms alleviated with treatment.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a minor gum condition. The gums become red and inflamed. Gums that bleed readily when brushed may produce unpleasant breath. Good oral hygiene can heal gingivitis. Periodontitis may weaken the gum tissue around the tooth. Spaces in between the tooth and the gum may collect bacteria, causing swelling. In addition, teeth may become loose and fall out if the supporting bone is removed over time.
What Is Periodontitis?
Plaque is the primary cause of periodontitis in the majority of instances. What exactly is plaque? It’s a slimy coating made mostly of bacteria. Here’s how plaque may progress to periodontitis if left untreated:
Plaque On Your Teeth
Plaque forms when food grains and sugars react with microorganisms present in the mouth. You must remove plaque by brushing twice a day and flossing once a day, but plaque is re-occurring and returns rapidly.
Plaque Hardens Under Your Gums
When plaque is present on your teeth for a long time, it turns into tartar or calculus. Plaque and tartar cause greater harm the longer they stay on your teeth. You cannot remove tartar by flossing and brushing alone; you will need expert tooth cleaning.
Gum Inflammation
Periodontitis is severe gingival inflammation. Gingival inflammation creates plaque, bacteria, and tartar pockets between your teeth and gums. This bacterial growth causes deeper pockets to form. These deep infections induce tissue and bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss. Also, the immune system may be weakened by persistent inflammation.
What Are the Signs of Gum Disease?
It is possible to identify and address gum disease before it becomes severe if you know the symptoms of gum disease. Take note if you see any early signs like this:
1. Bleeding When You Brush and Floss Your Teeth
Gum bleeding is an early and frequent sign of gum disease. Unfortunately, many individuals ignore a bloody toothbrush, yet they hurry to the hospital if it bled somewhere else. Unfortunately, this indicates your gums are on their way to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. The good news is that proper therapy may help you regain your dental health. Don’t brush if you see blood. Mention it at your next dentist visit.
2. Red and Swollen Gums
This can be in a localized spot or the whole gum line. Gum disease is a condition when the gums become inflamed and sensitive to touch and temperature. Inflammation-induced by germs and tartar buildup. Fortunately, a thorough cleaning may restore your oral health.
3. Receding Gums
By the time this sign occurs, your gum disease is in an advanced stage. As the gums recede, the tooth appears longer, and the root is revealed. Bacteria may then eat away at the root, causing tooth decay and even extraction. Scaling, root treatment, and antibiotics are used to treat this stage. A gum transplant may be required if the gums have receded considerably.
4. Loosing or Loss of Teeth
Infections due to bacteria may cause pockets to develop under the gum line. These pockets separate the gum tissue from the tooth. You may feel sensitivity, discomfort, and mild movement if decay has set in. This is a scary situation for your oral health and may lead to losing a tooth, if not more.
5. Gum Abscesses
This is a sign of a serious gum infection that should be addressed as quickly as possible. Living with an abscess can be excruciatingly painful. Abscesses can cause amongst other things:
Swelling of the gums
Fever and sweats
However, the main risk is that the infection will spread to other areas of your body. An abscess, unlike other infections, does not cure on its own and cannot be ignored.
Preventing Gum Disease
Regular tooth brushing is a must. Twice daily is minimum. This is the first rule of maintaining a beautiful and clean smile. It would be best if you also floss in between your teeth at least once a day. We cannot reiterate the importance of proper dental care enough. Brushing your teeth requires special care to prevent harming your teeth or gums. Always remember to be kind to yourself in your teeth brushing technique. Brush gently and in small gentle circles, not so forcefully that the bristles are distorted. Also, tooth crowding or misalignment may cause several common dental issues. When teeth don’t fall properly, germs may build up in your mouth. Uneven teeth are more prone to erosion and cavities. It also causes headaches and jaw discomfort. If you need teeth straightening, you may buy clear liners that you can apply at home. Orthodontic treatment may be costly and time-consuming, but clear braces make it simple. Getting regular professional teeth cleaning is also essential for good dental health. An oral hygienist is more prepared and can clean your teeth better than you can at home. Second, your hygienist may identify issues in your mouth early and recommend a dental appointment.
Don’t Delay Get Rid of Decay!
Gum disease is common and affects many people. Unfortunately, gum disease symptoms frequently go undetected, but catching them early is critical to preventing further damage. That’s why frequent dental visits are vital. When you go to the dentist for a cleaning and checkup, be sure to mention any odd symptoms or discomfort. For example, gum disease doesn’t always hurt, but ignoring the indications may lead to severe dental issues. A healthy, powerful smile requires good oral hygiene. Never be ashamed of your smile. If your teeth are uneven or misaligned, contact us for a free assessment and solution to help you smile freely again.
