Gum disease pictures the infection, swelling & soreness of the gums because of bacterial growth. The primary reason is plaque build-up which has not been removed carefully during brushing and flossing. This forms calculus & bacterial growth followed by destroying the healthy gums surrounding your teeth. If left untreated, it results in underlying bone infection causing teeth to become loose and even fall out.The early stages of gum disease may only require non-surgical treatment. The most well-known type of non-surgical treatment is known as scaling and root planning, a minor procedure involves a careful removal of plaque and tarter from the affected gums, and smooth the tooth root to remove any bacterial toxins.
Gum disease usually progresses slowly and painlessly, meaning it can take years for sufferers to realise there is a problem – but it is easier to treat when it’s caught early.
Gingivitis
This is the mild form of inflammation of the gums caused by the development of plaque along the gum line. In this condition, the bone surrounding & supporting the teeth is not affected.
Periodontal Disease
If gingivitis is ignored & not treated on time, it results in Periodontitis. At this stage infection of the gum tissue spreads to the inner attachments of the teeth such as surrounding bone and the tooth supporting tissue. This results in shifting or loosening of teeth which eventually fall or need to remove by a dentist.If you are suffering from gum problems, you can find some common symptoms listed below:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, tender or swollen gums
- Reducing gum line
- Bad breath
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
Even if you have any of the above symptoms, it is not necessary that you are suffering from a gum problem. We would recommend you to consult us, so that we can do the diagnosis and suggest you if any treatment is required.