Periodontitis, gum disease & why you cannot skip your dental check up if you’re at risk

Gum disease is defined as inflammation, tenderness or infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It causes swelling and irritation of the gums and may occasionally result in some discomfort. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious issues such as tooth loss. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main types of gum disease.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is caused when the tissues surrounding the teeth are inflamed by a build-up of plaque – a sticky deposit on the teeth triggered by bacteria. Plaque is the main cause of common dental issues like gum disease, so If it’s not regularly removed by regular flossing and brushing it can cause your gums to flare-up. Another common symptom of gum disease is bleeding when brushing. If you ignore these signs it may lead to a type of gum disease that is more serious, called Periodontitis. 

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is when the inflammation spreads to the bones that hold your teeth in place. There are a variety of Periodontal diseases, however, all of them affect the tissues supporting the teeth. If the disease progresses and gets worse, you may notice the gums retracting from your teeth (known as recession) which can expose the roots of your teeth, making your teeth sensitive. In addition, you may start to experience bone loss making your teeth loose and this is what leads to tooth loss. 

If your gingivitis has advanced into periodontitis, you may experience the subsequent symptoms:

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Tender or red gums
• Loose teeth
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Receding gums 

Preventing gum disease

The best way to prevent gum disease is by following good oral hygiene to prevent the amount of plaque and tartar that build up on your teeth.

To do this you should:

• Brush and floss your teeth correctly, for at least 2 minutes twice per day, usually in the morning and evening
• Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly, at least every six months
• Eliminate risk factors such as smoking

If you have any of these symptoms, we recommend you contact us now by booking an appointment via our easy to use form https://www.thepractice.ae/about-us/