There is a good chance that you or someone you know has a type of gum disease. It is important to know there are multiple types of gum disease that can affect your oral health. If left untreated, some gum diseases can increase your risk of other health concerns. Learn about gingivitis and periodontitis, which are the most common types of gum disease.
Gingivitis is the most typical type of gum disease. Patients may have heard about it from the dentist. It develops from the plaque buildup on the patient’s teeth and gums. The bacteria from the plaque can begin to damage the teeth and gums, making them more sensitive, puffy and irritable.
If left untreated, gingivitis can become periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease. It can cause infections that may destroy the bone supporting a patient’s teeth. This can result in tooth loss, bad breath and bleeding gums.
Gingivitis is formed by a buildup of plaque along the patient’s gumline. The most common symptoms of the milder form of gum disease include sensitive teeth and swollen, tender or bleeding gums. A dentist might also notice some pockets in the patient’s gums where the gums attach to the teeth.
Symptoms of periodontitis are more severe than those of gingivitis. Pockets will become larger and a patient may notice pus leaking out between the gums and the teeth. Patients may notice teeth becoming looser. Sores can develop in the mouth. Patients may notice bad breath or a foul taste in their mouths.
Periodontitis can result in the patient losing teeth or developing an infection. In rare circumstances, the infection can spread to the rest of the body. This is one reason it is important to have gum disease treated in a timely manner.
First, the dentist or periodontist will instruct a patient to take proper care of their oral health. When patients have mild gingivitis, the dentist can reverse the condition and help improve gum health. If the disease has become periodontitis, more extensive treatments may be required. These can include scaling and root planing, laser treatment or even surgical treatment.
Patients can reduce the chance of developing gum disease by practicing good oral hygiene. Visiting the dentist for regular checkups can also help prevent the development of gum disease. Patients should inform the dentist of any prescribed medication. Specific medicines can inflame the gums. Patients should always follow a dentist’s recommendation to keep the gums and teeth as healthy as possible.
A dentist will be able to help diagnose and treat gum disease while it is still mild or even if it becomes more severe. Learning the facts behind what causes gum disease can help you prevent it from occurring. If you believe that you have gum disease, it is important to see a dentist as soon as you can.
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