KNOW IT ALL ABOUT GUM DISEASE HERE

What is gingivitis?

Gum disease or gingivitis is inflammation of the tissues supporting and surrounding the teeth and is most popularly caused due to poor dental hygiene. Gum disease is a very common problem and differs immensely in severity. Some of the common signs of gingivitis include: red swollen gums, bleeding on brushing and flossing etc.

What causes gingivitis?

Your gums are attached to your teeth at a lower point than the edges of gums that are visible. This creates a small space called a sulcus. When food gets trapped in this space, gingivitis or gum infection is caused.

Plaque is another reason for gum disease. Plaque is a thin coating of bacteria; it continuously develops on the surface of your teeth. As plaque becomes severe, it hardens, and this is termed as tartar. When plaque reaches below the gum line, it causes gum infection.

When left untreated, it can cause the gums to get disconnected from the teeth. This can cause injury to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. The tooth may become unstable and loose. If infection becomes severe, you may finally lose your tooth or get it removed from a dentist.

Risk factors of gum disease:

Here are some of the risk factors for gum disease:

• Compromised immunity (AIDS/HIV patients)
• Genetic factors
• Pregnancy
• Broken fillings
• Ill fitted dental appliances
• Crooked teeth
• Some medicines
• Diabetes
• Chewing tobacco or smoking

Symptoms of gum infection:

Most people even don’t realize that they have gingivitis. Once can have gum infection without any symptoms. However, here are a few symptoms of gingivitis:

• Bad breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing
• Partial dentures that doesn’t fit
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Pus between gums and teeth
• Difference in how your teeth fit together on biting something
• Loose teeth
• Gums that have separated from the teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen, tender or red gums

Diagnosis of gingivitis:

In a dental checkup, your gums are checked with a small ruler. This helps to know about the inflammation. Also, assists in knowing about any gaps around your teeth. X-rays are taken to know about the bone loss.

Feel free to contact us to know about risk factors for gum disease as well as the symptoms. This can assist diagnose your gum infection. If you have gum disease, our periodontist will treat you. They specialize in the treatment of gum diseases.

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