Gum Disease: Understanding The Causes And Treatment Options

Gum diseases, also known as periodontal diseases, are caused due to plaque buildup in your mouth. The condition results in a foul odor, red swollen gums, and sometimes bleeding gums. People need immediate medical attention to resolve such issues. If not, you can get inflammation, infection, and swollen gums as a result.

But what are the causes of these conditions? And how can one prevent themselves from such diseases? With this blog, you can learn the common symptoms and causes of gum diseases. It also guides you in gum disease prevention and how to take care of your oral hygiene. If you need immediate medical attention, you can contact our expert Beaumont Dental Office, TX.

What Are Gum Diseases?

Gums are tissues that wrap around your teeth to provide support. If your gums are infected or inflamed, you can call it a Gum disease. This is mainly caused by bacteria in your mouth. You can easily avoid such conditions with regular brushing and flossing. When gum diseases are left without the proper treatment, they become periodontal conditions.

Gum diseases are the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Dental hygiene measures such as regular brushing and flossing can prevent the infection. You must visit your local dentist at regular intervals to avoid gum diseases, mainly if any symptoms are present.

Common Symptoms With Causes

You must visit the dentist if you observe any of the symptoms. If you ignore these symptoms, they might worsen your condition. Some common symptoms are:

• Pain while chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath or taste
• Pain in gums
• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Deep pockets between teeth and gums

Gum Disease Causes

Plaque and bacteria cause gum diseases that, in the end, result in gingivitis. However, there are several factors that increase your risk of gum disease. Some of these factors are:

• Hormone Change
  During pregnancy, menopause, puberty, and periods, gums are more sensitive than usual. It is easier for gingivitis to occur during these situations.
• Terminal Diseases
  Diseases such as HIV, cancer, and diabetes increase the risk of infection.
• Smoking
  Smoking reduces gum repairment mechanisms that slow results in receding gums.
• Poor Oral habits
  Lack of good oral hygiene can result in plaque buildup and end up causing gingivitis.
• Genetics
  People with a family history of gum problems are more prone to gum diseases.

Periodontal Disease Stages

Gum or Periodontal disease has four stages in total. It begins with red or swollen gums but results in tooth loss and even permanent bone damage.

Stage 1: Gingivitis
This early stage of the periodontal condition is called gingivitis. The gums might bleed, but bone is present. It is easier to reverse gum damage at this stage.

Stage 2: Mild Periodontitis
The disease has reached its second stage when the bacteria starts affecting the gums. Mild periodontitis creates gum pockets and pulls gums away from teeth. Then, bacteria fill these pockets to directly impact the bone.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
During stage three, the bacteria almost eats away your gums, and you feel pain in your gums. You can feel pus around the gums and infection in the gumline.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis
The final stage causes some permanent damage. Your teeth might fall out or get loose. The oral condition is in an irreversible place, and you might need new dental implants.

When To Seek Treatment?

If you have some plaque buildup, you can clean it yourself. However, if you experience pain, or observe blood, pus, or infection around the gumline, you need immediate medical attention. You also need treatment if you feel swollen or receding gums, the pocket between gums and teeth. You must visit your dentist every six months for a proper checkup.

Tips to Avoid Serious Gum Diseases

Some tips can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and help you avoid gum diseases. These tips are as follows:

• Reduce stressful environment.
• Stop smoking, as it makes you more prone to gum infections.
• Eat a balanced diet and avoid extra-sugar-based foods.
• Avoid grinding your teeth.
• Regular brushing and flossing are essential.
• You must visit your dentist at least once every six months.

Final Thoughts

Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. The lack of timely medical attention and dental care can result in advanced periodontal conditions and affect your teeth permanently. You need immediate medical attention if you experience any gum disease symptoms. Bone damage is irreversible damage and can result in tooth loss.

You can contact or visit our experts at Beaumont Dentist TX, to get your teeth checked properly to avoid any periodontal conditions. With effective dental care, you can preserve your teeth from any long-lasting infection.