Complication: Gum Disease
Symptoms
Bright red gums, swollen gums, sore gums, loose teeth or tooth loss, toothache, bad breath, recessed gums, bleeding with brushing or flushing, change in bite or fit of dentures.
Oral health complications are systemic—they affect the rest of your body. But what about what’s going on right inside your mouth if you don’t take care of it?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), gum disease affects almost half of all adults over the age of 30. And, since the risk of periodontal disease increases as you age, over 71% of adults 65 and over have some form of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is caused by inflammation of the gums and bones of the mouth. Inflammation occurs when there is a buildup of plaque, a sticky white film that coats the teeth. This film is full of bacteria that attacks the tooth enamel and can lead to cavities and inflammation. Brushing and flossing help remove plaque. If plaque builds up and is not removed, it eventually hardens into tartar. Brushing and flossing won’t remove tartar; only a dentist or dental hygienist can remove it.
The first stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis. Common signs of gingivitis are red and swollen gums and bleeding while brushing and flossing. Daily brushing and flossing and regular dental visits can often reverse gingivitis. However, if gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a much more serious form of gum disease.
Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, in which the gum tissue pulls away from the tooth, damaging the surrounding tissue. This can result in bone loss, tooth loss, and a shifting of the teeth.
Risk factors for periodontitis include
- Smoking
- Age
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Diet
- Stress
- Heredity
- Medications
- Other illnesses
Gum disease is preventable. Establishing good daily oral hygiene practices reduces the amount of plaque and inflammation of your gums. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, and make sure to schedule routine visits with your dentist (for the majority of people, this means seeing your dentist every six months).