Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissues. Gum disease ranges in its severity, from inflammation of the gums that is gingivitis to more serious infections and complications, which is called periodontitis. Gum disease affects your mouth and teeth, but it affects your general health as well. Your general health gets affected because the infection in your mouth as a result of gum disease can travel to the other parts of your body through your bloodstream. Gum disease also poses a risk of heart disease as well as plays a role in sugar-levels.
The causes of gum disease
Gum disease is usually caused due to the buildup of bacteria in your mouth. If you take care of your dental health and brush and floss regularly, the bacteria are removed. If your dental health is ignored, plaque starts to develop, and if plaque is left untreated, it can build up and lead to serious gum disease. A few reasons because of which one might get gum disease are negligence to oral care, hormonal changes, smoking, diabetes, or due to certain medications.
What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Gingivitis is basically the initial, the first stage and you will notice the inflammation of your gums due to plaque and tartar on your teeth. If you have swollen and bleeding gums, then you may be suffering from gingivitis.
Periodontitis is a more severe case of gum disease. There may be gum recession and bone loss and tooth mobility. Basically, you are losing the supporting structures around the teeth. Deep pockets will form around the teeth.
The treatment of gum disease
The treatment of gum disease depends upon its cause and severity of the disease. One of the most common treatments is called root scaling and planing wherein deep cleaning is performed to get rid of plaque and tartar from underneath the gum line. Your dentist may also recommend antibacterial rinses to help reduce the inflammation. In some acute cases, surgical procedures such as flap surgery and bone and tissue grafts may be suggested.
To get an advice and treatment for your gum disease, contact Expressions Dental™ Clinic in Calgary at +1 (403) 252 7733.