Introduction
Bright, white, sparkling teeth are the foundation of a beautiful and confident smile. Each of us goes the extra mile to ensure that our teeth stay in good condition, whether it’s their appearance or functionality.
Since childhood, we have had a fixed routine for brushing and cleaning our teeth to maintain good oral hygiene. We visit our dentist regularly and immediately seek consultation from dental experts in case of any problem.
But many of us must forget to take care of our Gums. Yes, you heard that right. It is the gums where the roots of teeth lie and it’s essential to keep them in good shape if we wish to have strong teeth and good oral as well as overall health. After all, who does not like to see the soft pink gums that further enhance the charm of your smile?
Definition
Periodontal disease is a common disease of the gums. It is an infection that occurs in the gum tissue that holds the teeth. This results in the formation of a sticky film of the bacteria near the teeth, which gradually hardens over time causing harm to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Due to bad oral hygiene, gums and teeth become more prone to infection. People with bad brushing or flossing habits are more susceptible to this disease. However, it might also happen to people with good oral health.
You will be surprised to know that half of the population is affected by this disease and it is also the major cause of tooth loss. But if you receive gum disease treatment on time, you can prevent it from causing serious harm to your mouth and body.
Symptoms
Like any other disease, this one comes with a bunch of signs and symptoms that you should be aware of so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent it from further spreading. Here are the common signs to look for –
- Bleeding of Gums
- Bad Breath or Halitosis
- Loosening of teeth
- An unpleasant taste in your mouth
- Experiencing pain while eating
- Reddish and swollen gums
- Gums that are distancing from your teeth.
- Change in the way your teeth fit together
If you notice any of these, it is time you should immediately consult an emergency dentist and take necessary action.
Stages of Periodontal Disease
Normal pink gums are soft to the touch and hold the teeth firmly. But If they get infected, they gradually become discoloured, swollen and start bleeding. The patient initially might not even experience any pain. Here are the different stages of the disease that you should understand:
-
Stage 1:
This is the first stage and is also referred to as Gingivitis. In this stage, you may notice that gums become swollen and reddish in colour. Some patients also experience bleeding while brushing or flossing their teeth.
However, at this stage, the infection does not spread much and there is no loss of jaw bone. If you get the right gum disease treatment in Wilmington, it can be completely reversed.
-
Stage 2:
This next stage is also referred to as Mild Periodontitis. At this stage, the infection spreads from under the gums to the nearby bone thus infecting them. As a result, the gums start pulling away from the teeth.
These harmful bacteria dig deep pockets around the gums where plaque accumulates, which cannot be cleaned by brushing or flossing.
-
Stage 3:
The third stage is also known as Moderate Periodontitis. Now this is a highly alarming stage. People often start to experience bad breath and pain in their gums.
Since the bacteria has already reached the surrounding bone, it starts affecting the soft tissue and ligaments. Pus starts forming near the gums which is the accuse of bad breath. You can also experience loosening of the surrounding teeth.
-
Stage 4:
This is the final state of Periodontal disease. The teeth decay at a fast speed. If you do not receive immediate intervention from an emergency dentist, you might lose one or more teeth.
Also if the disease continues to spread at the same speed, you will suffer from the loss of bone around the infected area. At this stage,people also have chronic pain and tooth decay.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of gum disease can be easily done by a routine examination. If a dentist notices reddish or swollen gums, they look for any accumulated plaque around the affected area. You might also be referred to a periodontist for proper evaluation.
A Periodontist then conducts a thorough check-up. He measures how deep the pockets around the gums are using a periodontal probe. The higher the accumulation of plaque and depth of pockets, the more severe the condition. The Periodontist also checks for any decaying or loose teeth and evaluates your bite.
He often asks to get a few dental X-rays done to get a deeper understanding of the entire situation including the amount of bone loss.
Complications
Gum disease treatment in Wilmington from an experienced specialist at an early stage can completely cure it. But if it spreads, it will lead to decaying & loss of teeth and bone. This will hugely impact oral health. It has also been found that gum disease is linked to Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, pneumonia, coronary artery disease, diabetes, liver cancer and rheumatoid arthritis.
It should also be noted that gum disease is contagious and can pass from one person to another through long-term repeated contact (like kissing).
Treatment
There is more than one treatment option available for gum disease. Your dentist will help you decide the most suitable one after considering various factors like your oral health, your overall health and medical history.
Our Commitment to Your Smile
We at Coastal Smiles aim to make your smile more impactful and impressive every day. With a qualified team of experts and the latest machines & equipment, we promise to keep your soft pink Gums in the best of health.
In case you notice any problem in your gums or experience pain, get in touch with us at the earliest and our expert team will guide you towards a proper solution.
Timely intervention can save you from a lot of pain and suffering. Needless to say, it will also protect your dazzling smile. So take the necessary step at the earliest.
