Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a risky gum infection that gum pockets are created and get infected when the gums move away from the teeth. Left untreated can damage the bone, gums, and connective tissues supporting your teeth. Periodontitis can result in tooth loosening or even tooth loss.
How popular is it?
Severe periodontal diseases are estimated to affect around 19% of the global adult population, representing more than 1 billion cases worldwide.
Causes
At the gumline and teeth base, plaque and calculus accumulate. This accumulation leads to inflammation, which results in an irregular "pocket" or gap developing between the gums and the teeth.
Then, other bacteria and plaque accumulate in this pocket. The plaque gets stuck in the pocket due to soft tissue swelling. The ligaments and bones that support the teeth become infected and swollen when the gums are infected. The tissues and bone supporting the tooth are damaged due to persistent inflammation.
The plaque includes bacteria, which makes infection likely and increases the chance of an abscessed tooth. Additionally, the rate of bone loss is accelerated by this.
Risky Factors
Smoking
There is evidence that smoking alters the commensal bacteria ecosystem, boosts the amount of certain periodontal bacteria, or impacts the host's reaction.
Poor oral hygiene
Improper tooth brushing and other oral hygiene practices can promote bacterial encrustation and dental plaque buildup on teeth and gums, leading to inflammatory changes in periodontal tissues. It is also linked to increased dental plaque buildup, high prevalence, and higher severity of gum disease.
Stress
The flow of salivary secretion is reduced when people feel stressed, which enhances dental plaque formation.
Medication
Some medications also limit saliva production, while several drugs stimulate excessive gum tissue development, making it challenging to remove dental plaque from behind properly, and can worsen already-existing periodontal disease.
Consequences
Gum recession and teeth will seem longer than normal when suffering from gum disease. As the surface of teeth and the gums are damaged to some extent, gums will become red or swollen, even bleeding or painful. Chewing food probably causes aches, and teeth will be sensitive or loose. Persistently bad breath is also a symptom.
What can I do to prevent it?
Proper oral hygiene: The most effective ways are brushing teeth (twice a day) and dental flossing to remove plaque regularly.
Regular dental visit: Make an appointment with the dentist to check and clean your teeth routinely to avoid worsening situations.