Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. A shallow v-shaped space or crevice separates the teeth from the gum tissue. This v-shaped crevice is called a sulcus. Periodontal or gum diseases begin just below the gum line in the sulcus. Gum disease causes the deterioration of the supporting tissues and the sulcus forms into a pocket. As the disease worsens, the pocket enlarges. This may lead to bone loss and ultimately tooth loss as the periodontal ligament is destroyed and the teeth loosen.
According to the American Dental Association, gum or periodontal diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the milder stage and is a reversible form of the disease that solely affects the gums. Gingivitis may develop into the more destructive stage of gum or periodontal disease:periodontitis.
It is a possibility to have periodontal disease without warning signs. Regular dental examinations are important to screen for gum disease. Brushing and cleaning between teeth as well as eating a balanced diet prevents serious periodontal disease.
Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing gum or periodontal diseases: smoking or chewing tobacco products; diseases such as diabetes; some types of medications including steroids, cancer treatment drugs, calcium channel blockers, oral contraceptives and some types of anti-epilepsy drugs; improperly fitting bridges; crooked teeth; defective filings; pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives.
Warning signs for periodontal or gum disease include gum tissue that bleeds easily; tender or swollen, red gums; gums that have receded from the teeth; chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth; loose or separating permanent teeth; a change in the way teeth come together in the bite; a change in the fit of partial dentures.
Plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that is continuously forming on the teeth, is the cause of gum disease. The bacteria form toxins that can damage the gum tissue if not discouraged by a healthy diet and removed by using proper dental hygiene, including brushing the teeth twice daily and cleaning in between the teeth with dental floss.