Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Before this happens, the disease develops slowly and therefore we are able to diagnose it at an early stage.
Healthy gums do not bleed. They are hard and stick to the teeth. Gum disease begins with inflammation within the gums. If left untreated, inflammation spreads to the bone that surrounds and supports the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in a sticky and colorless layer of microbes and carbohydrates called plaque. It forms on everyone’s teeth all the time. It is also the main cause of carious lesions. If it is not removed daily, it can mineralize to tartar. The build-up of plaque damages the gums, teeth and bone. This can cause your teeth to loosen or fall out.
Gingivitis
There are three stages of gum disease. The earliest is inflammation. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing your teeth daily, the bacteria in the plaque produce toxins that cause inflammation. The gums may then be red or swollen. They start to bleed while brushing their teeth. These symptoms should not be ignored, because at this stage of the disease the damage is easy to repair, because the connective tissue and bone supporting the teeth are not yet affected by the disease. The early stages of the disease can be combated by properly brushing the teeth with a properly selected toothpaste and flossing them. Good hygiene prevents plaque build-up. However, if the plaque has already grown and hardened in the form of tartar, we must remove it at the dentist’s.
Removal of tartar
Regular tartar removal protects us against gum disease and cavities. The dentist most often uses ultrasound to clean the teeth, removing tartar above and below the gum line. The dentist can also perform root polishing. It helps smooth out irregularities in the root of the tooth, which reduces the risk of plaque build-up.
Remember that tartar creates an additional space for the formation of bacterial plaque. In addition to being a threat to teeth and gums, it is also a cosmetic problem. It is characterized by greater porosity, which makes it easy to stain. Dark stains may appear on the limescale in smokers and people who frequently drink coffee or tea.
Periodontitis
In the second stage of the disease, the gums begin to detach from the teeth and recede. They can also hurt when touched. Sometimes there is pus during the tribulation. The teeth appear longer because the gums slide reveal the necks of the teeth. This is because the plaque moves towards the roots and the fibers and bones that support the teeth. A pocket may begin to form under the gumline and collect food and plaque. At this stage, irreversible damage may already occur to the supporting bone and the fibers that hold the teeth in place. The dentist’s help turns out to be indispensable. If bone defects are large, surgical reconstructions such as implants, crowns, bridges, snap-on prostheses and others are used. With proper dental treatment and oral hygiene, further damage is avoided.
Movable teeth
In the third stage of the disease, advanced periodontitis, the teeth begin to move and sometimes the dentist has to remove them because the bone that supports them is damaged. Movable teeth also affect the bite. This disrupts the correct alignment of the teeth with each other. Losses at this stage of the disease are irreversible. So let’s remember that gum disease can occur at any age. If detected at an early stage, permanent damage can be avoided. Therefore, if you notice blood while brushing your teeth or flossing them, or if you notice redness or swelling on the gums, please consult your dentist. An indication for a visit to the dentist is also an unpleasant smell from the mouth, changes in the arrangement of the teeth, or gums protruding or slipping.
Text: Halina Pilonis