Even though we refer to it as “gum disease,” there are actually a variety of types of gingival or periodontal diseases which affect a large percentage of adults at some time in their lives. In fact, research indicates that over 75 percent of people who are over 35 years of age and are living in North America have some form of periodontal disease. Yet, most of these people aren’t aware that they have any issues in their mouths because gum disease is typically absent of any symptoms until it is already doing damage to gum tissue or even to the jawbone.

Periodontal diseases fall into two main categories: Gingivitis and Periodontitis. The first is a very mild form of gum disease and is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits and can also be halted and any damaged reversed by simply improving those habits. Periodontitis on the other hand, is much more serious and it usually results from untreated gingivitis. The gum diseases that fall under this category are infections that break down and destroy both tissues and bones. And while this kind of destruction is taking place in your mouth, there may be very little if any symptoms of the disease.

The best way to prevent or halt gum disease is to be consistent with your dental checkups, making sure you see a dentist at least once every six months or more if you are prone to dental issues. In the interim, watch for any of the following signs that could indicate that gum disease has taken hold in your mouth:

– An onset of bad breath that won’t go away, even with regular brushing and flossing.
– Gums that have started to be tender and bleed whenever you brush or floss.
– Gums that are red or swollen.
– A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite or chew.
– Pain in your mouth when you chew your food.
– Teeth that have become sensitive.
– Teeth that have become loose or have gaps between them that didn’t exist before.
– Pus between your gums and your teeth.

If you notice any of these symptoms, get in to see a dentist as soon as possible so that any damage that has taken place can be assessed, treated and stopped. Gum disease, if left unchecked, will not go away and will continue to get worse until it has caused serious damage in your mouth and even to your overall health. Periodontal disease has been documented as a factor in other serious diseases in other parts of the body. In fact studies show that the destructive bacteria that cause gum disease can get into the blood stream and travel to the heart and lungs where it can be a factor in cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Gum disease has also been connected with diabetes, and when present in pregnant mothers, has contributed to pre-term, low birth-weight babies. The longer the bacteria that are behind gum disease goes untreated, the more destructive it becomes.

While it can do some nasty damage in your mouth and body, the good news is that gum disease can be prevented and/or stopped. Good daily oral hygiene habits and regular visits to a dentist for checkups and professional dental cleanings are the two strongest tools in the defense against gum disease. And if periodontal disease does get started, there are a variety of methods that a dentist can use to stop the onslaught of the disease and return the mouth to health…but the disease has to be diagnosed in order for that to happen.

Gum disease should be taken seriously since it can have a huge negative impact not only on your oral health but on your overall health as well. When it comes to keeping gum disease at bay, a dentist is your best and strongest ally.

Author Bio: Dr. Pandya received his D.D.S. degree in 2001. He then completed additional training in Aesthetic at University of California Los Angeles. He also completed certificate in Boston Implant Institute for surgical implant and reconstructive surgeries. Dr. Pandya

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: gum disease, periodontics, dental diagnosis, gum problems, periodontist, periodontal disease