Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
85% of US adults suffer from some degree of gum disease, making it one of the most common diseases in America – more common than cancer, diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease.
Yet, only 60% of those infected know they have gum disease. Worse yet, only 3% of adults with moderate to severe levels of gum disease will accept treatment. Unfortunately, many people do not realize how serious it can be.
Studies have shown that periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is linked to other serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. What is even more unfortunate is the prevalence of this disease despite the fact that it is easily preventable.
Tooth loss caused by gum disease is preventable through regular dental visits and good oral hygiene. This includes brushing and flossing twice a day and eating tooth-healthy foods.
Some people are unaware that they even have periodontal disease because it is usually painless. Don’t be caught unaware, learn these these 7 Warning signs of Gum Disease.
Bleeding gums is one sign of periodontal disease and you should definitely check with your dentist if it is a regular occurrence. However, there are other causes such as brushing too vigorously, using toothbrushes with hard bristles, and flossing too forcefully.
Red, swollen gums generally occur when a person has developed gingivitis. This form of gum disease can be reversed with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleaning by a dental professional.
Untreated gingivitis advances to periodontitis. During this stage of gum disease, the gums will start to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. Without treatment, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth will be destroyed.
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth are a warning sign of periodontal disease. Other causes include dry mouth, cavities, yeast infections of the mouth, tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, and diet.
Periodontitis causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. Over time, your teeth will become loose because there is no structure there to hold them. As the condition worsens, you will begin to lose your teeth.
As periodontitis progresses, teeth will become loose and eventually be lost. This causes a change in your bite because the structure of your mouth is being altered as bone and gums diminish.
Those who have partial dentures can also experience gum loss due to periodontal disease. Because your partials are designed to fit your mouth precisely, periodontal disease will cause the structure of your mouth to change and therefore alter the fit of your denture.
