Gum disease early stages

suriya mir
3 min readJul 1, 2021

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One of the most prevalent and significant causes of tooth loss is gum disease, a disease that may be classified into two stages: acute and chronic. If detected and treated gum disease in the early stages, it is possible to reverse the disease and prevent tooth loss. If you want to prevent gum disease, visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and exams, and maintaining good oral hygiene will prevent developing the condition.

Early Stage of Gum Disease (Gingivitis )

Gingivitis (gum inflammation) commonly occurs before Periodontitis (gum disease. During this stage, the bacteria in plaque accumulate, causing the gums to become irritated or inflamed. Gum tissues appearing red and swollen also easily bleed when you brush your teeth. At this point, no irreversible bone or tissue damage has occurred. It is possible to prevent or treat tooth decay by brushing your teeth and having regular dental cleanings and exams.

Symptoms include:

  • Receding gums
  • Swollen or bleeding gums
  • Increasing spaces between teeth
  • Bad breath

Advanced Stages of Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Mild Periodontitis

The gums become inflamed; they start to pull away from the teeth, causing periodontal “pockets.” Food, germs, and plaque accumulate in the pockets, resulting in infection. Both bacterial toxins and the immune system’s response to infection can damage the surrounding bone.

Moderate Periodontitis

As the inflammation progresses, the symptoms of periodontitis become more severe, and some discomfort or irritation may occur. Additionally, more gum tissue and bone are destroyed, teeth become loose, and the gums recede even more.

Advanced stage of Periodontitis

When it comes to adults, gum disease is the most prevalent and major cause of tooth loss. Advanced Periodontitis is marked by painful abscesses formed due to the infection spreading beneath the gums.

What Causes Gum Disease?

While plaque is the most frequent cause of gum disease, some other factors can lead to periodontal disease. These include:

  • Unhealthy oral hygiene habits: It increases the chances of developing gingivitis when you do not clean and floss your teeth daily.
  • Illnesses: The health of your gums may be affected by illnesses. This includes conditions such as HIV or cancer, which can cause your immune system to become weakened. In addition, diabetic patients are more likely to develop oral infections, including cavities and periodontal disease, than are other patients.
  • Bad habits: Smoking and other tobacco usages can lead to oral health problems and make it harder for gum tissue to heal and regenerate properly.
  • Family history: If someone has a family history of gum disease, they may be at higher risk.

Diagnosis of Gum Disease

During your dental examination, the dentist will check for the following signs and symptoms:

  • Sensitivity, as well as proper tooth alignment and movement
  • Your jawbone can be used to identify bone loss around your teeth.
  • Swelling, firmness, gum bleeding. The wider and deeper the pocket, the more serious the disease is.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

You will be given therapy based on the stage of your disease, your response to previous therapies, and your overall health. Various treatment options are available, ranging from nonsurgical treatments to control bacterial growth to surgery to repair supporting tissues.

Prevention

  • You have to brush your teeth twice a day is important because it eliminates plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. It would be best if you also replace your toothbrush every three months.
  • Dental flossing is recommended once a day because it eliminates plaque and food particles from between your teeth and beneath your gum line.
  • Clean your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash that not only prevents gingivitis it fights bad breath but remembers that ask your dentist which mouthwash would work best for you.
  • Stop tobacco usage
  • Maintain a healthy balanced diet
  • Reduce your stress levels since stress makes it more difficult for your body’s immune system to combat

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suriya mir
suriya mir

Written by suriya mir

FCPS from university of Southampton

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