According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, about 23% of the people suffer from moderate or severe gum disease. Also, the report reveals that, poor oral health is the primary cause of gum disease.
Gum disease is also called periodontal disease. It is an infection on the gum tissues that surround and support your tooth. Gum disease is the significant reason for tooth loss in adults. If it is left untreated, it may lead to tooth loss and damages your tissues.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the early stage of periodontitis. The gum tissue gets inflamed due to the plaque accumulation. The bacteria in plaque cause the gum to inflame and bleed during brushing or flossing.
Even though the gum tissues are irritated, there will be no damages to the teeth at this stage. It is advisable to visit your dentist Blacktown as soon as you notice bleeding gums.
If this stage is left untreated, it can advance to Periodontitis. As the disease progresses, it forms a pocket where the debris is collected and leads to severe infection. As the pocket deepens, the gum tissue and bones are destroyed. When this occurs, teeth become loose and lead to loss of a tooth.
What are the symptoms of periodontal disease?
- Inflamed gums
- Bright red or dusky red gums
- Gums that feels tender when touching
- Bleeding gums
- Spaces developing between your teeth and gum
- Formation of pus between your teeth
- Bad breath
- Experiencing pain while chewing
What are the common causes of periodontal disease?
There are several factors involved in the onset of gum disease. However, it can be significantly lowered by taking preventive measures.
Following are the most common causes of gum disease:
Poor oral health:
Preventing dental problems starts at home by practicing good oral habits. By regularly visiting the Blacktown dentist you can avoid dental issues. When the plaque is not removed, bacteria will affect the gums and bone that surround the teeth and can cause Periodontitis that can lead to tooth loss.
Usage of tobacco:
Smoking and usage of tobacco affect not only oral health but also the overall health. Researches also show that smoking is the significant reason for the development and progression of gum disease.
Pregnancy:
The hormonal changes experienced by the body during pregnancy can cause the gum tissue to become more sensitive to gum disease if oral health is not maintained properly.
Treatment of gum disease:
Addressing the issues at the earliest can help prevent the onset, progression, and recurrence of gum disease.
An experienced dentist in Blacktown can perform effective cleaning procedures in deep sockets such as scaling and root planning. Apart from cleaning, the dentist also prescribes antibiotic and antifungal medications to treat infection and stop the progression of the disease.