Gum Disease Facts
Gum disease is a serious bacterial infection that affects your gum and bone that supports your teeth. If you do nothing, tooth loss can happen. Gum disease can affect one tooth or many. If you generally have inadequate nutrition, you put yourself at higher risk of a gum disease. A lowered immune system finds it hard to fight off infections.
Gum disease begins when plaque on teeth inflames the surrounding gum tissue. Those who are in the beginning stages of gum disease may experience reddened gums, gums that are swollen or bleed easily. Normally you do not experience any major discomfort at the beginning stage of gum disease. Gingivitis can be reversed with both professional dental care and good oral home care.
When plaque goes unchecked, it can reach below the gum line and produce toxins that irritate the gums. Gum tissue can be destroyed when these toxins build up. Your gums then separate from the teeth, forming pockets that then become infected. These pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone eventually become destroyed. Your tooth or teeth become loose as a result.
Other situations can also aggravate the problem of gum disease. They include:
- smoking (cigarette and cigar)
- genetics
- hormonal changes such as puberty and pregnancy, contributing to increased sensitivity.
- stress
- medications such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants and heart medications
- constant clenching or grinding of teeth, exerting excess force on the supporting tissues of teeth
- or if you are a diabetic.
