What is gum disease?
Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It’s usually caused by improper brushing and flossing practices, which allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up and harden on the teeth. The symptoms begin with swollen, red, and bleeding gums. If ignored, it can extend to the bones surrounding the gums, making chewing unpleasant. In the worst-case scenario, teeth may become loose or need to be extracted.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease Tomball TX. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease. These include:
- Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.
- Illnesses may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or HIV that interfere with the immune system. Because diabetes affects the body’s ability to use blood sugar, patients with this disease are at higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease and cavities.
- Medications can have an impact on oral health because some reduce the flow of saliva, which protects the teeth and gums. Some medications, such as the anticonvulsant Dilantin and the anti-angina medicines Procardia and Adalat, might promote aberrant gum tissue growth.
- Smoking, for example, makes it more difficult for gum tissue to recover itself.
- Poor oral hygiene practices, such as not brushing and flossing daily, make gingivitis more likely to develop.
- A family history of dental illness may have a role in the development of gingivitis.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Even in the late stages of gum disease Tomball TX, the disease can develop quietly with little visible symptoms. Although periodontal disease symptoms are typically mild, the problem is not without warning signals. Certain symptoms may indicate the presence of the disease. Gum disease symptoms include:
- Bleeding gums during and after tooth brushing
- Gums that are red and swollen. Pink and firm gums indicate healthy gums.
- Unpleasant breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth that persists
- Gums receding
- Deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- Teeth that are loose or moving
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures or the way teeth fit together while biting down.
- Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you could still have gum disease. Gum disease may damage only a few teeth in certain people, such as the molars. Only a dentist in Tomball TX or periodontist can detect and monitor the progression of gum disease.
