Do you suffer from constant bad breath (halitosis)? Do you feel your teeth move or feel a generalized pain in your mouth? You may be suffering from gum disease or periodontal disease.
Did you know that over 75% of North Americans who are 35 years or older suffer from periodontal disease? It’s one of the most common infections today, and is also one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. That’s why consulting a dentist at a dental clinic is important to determine treatment adapted to your needs.If your hands bled when you wash them you would be concerned. Yet many people think it is normal for their gums to bleed when they brush and floss.
Gingivitis (or gum desease): What is it?
Would you be shocked if your hands were bleeding every time you wash them? Still, many people think that it’s normal for their gums to bleed when brushing teeth and flossing.
Redness of the gums and bleeding during brushing are the first signs of a bacterial infection of the gums. This early stage is called gingivitis or gum disease. It may be reversed with good oral hygiene and regular appointments with your dentist.
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the bone and the gums. Periodontal is not reversible, but must be stopped. If left untreated, eventually your teeth can become so loose that tooth extraction by your dentist will be necessary.
What causes periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in dental plaque, when dental plaque is not cleaned adequately. Several factors may play a role in the onset of this disease:
- lack of dental hygiene
- smoking tobacco or other substances
- misaligned or crowded teeth
- Orthodontic treatments
- Grinding the teeth
Symptoms of periodontal disease:
- Bad taste that comes back after brushing
- Chronic halitosis or bad breath
- Black triangles between the teeth
- Gingival recession
- Puss between the teeth
- Loose teeth
Toothache or gum ache
Recent research has linked periodontal disease to multiple general health problems:
- Atherosclerosis and heart disease – Gum disease can increase the risk of clogged arteries and, therefore, worsens heart disease.
- Stroke – Gum disease can increase the risk of the type of stroke that is caused by blocked arteries.
- Diabetes-Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.
- Respiratory disease – Gum disease may cause lung infections and worsen existing lung conditions when bacteria in the mouth reach the lungs.
- Osteoporosis -Osteoporosis decreases the strength of the bone that supports the teeth, which can lead to tooth loss.
- Cancer-According to researchers, men with gum disease are more likely to develop kidney cancer (49%), pancreatic cancer (54%) and blood cancer (30%).
- The dental hygienist will do a thorough examination and take measurements of your gums.
- The dentist then explains the extent of the periodontal disease during your consultation to establish your treatment plan to eliminate this disease.
- Deep cleaning or curettage of your gums may be necessary. The dental hygienist cleans the tartar above the gums while the dentist cleans the tartar under the gum. Your dentist uses vibrating instruments and an antibacterial mouthwash to disinfect the gums.