6 Facts About Gum Disease That You Should Know About

Gum disease is a serious condition in which gums become infected and inflamed. Many people all over the world have some stage of gum disease. Unfortunately, many of them neglect their condition. This can lead to the development of severe complications.

That's why it is extremely important to learn more about gum disease, its symptoms, and treatment. In this article, we have gathered six facts about gum disease that you should know about.

1. Gum disease is caused by bacteria

As mentioned above, gum disease is caused by an infection. This infection occurs when the number of bacteria in your mouth increases dramatically, these bacteria irritate gums and lead to the development of an infection.

The truth is that many people don't maintain proper oral hygiene and let the bacteria linger in their oral cavities. To prevent the development of gum disease, you need to brush your teeth twice a day and use dental floss to clean your incidental space at least once a day.

2. Gum disease can affect everyone

Some people believe that gum disease is a condition that affects only the elderly. But the truth is that this disease can affect people of all ages including children, especially if they don't maintain proper oral hygiene. Some studies show that more than half of the global population will develop gum disease during their lifetime. This means that it is essential to be cautious and pay attention to your oral health.

3. Gum redness and bleeding are symptoms of gum disease

There is a common misconception that light gum bleeding that occurs during toothbrushing is completely normal. But if you often see pink toothpaste in the sink, it can be a sign of developing gum disease.

The most common symptoms of gum disease include gum redness, swelling, and bleeding, as well as bad breath, and gum recession. It is extremely important to make an appointment with a dentist and evaluate your condition in time. The easiest way to get rid of gum disease is to treat it at the earliest stage.

4. Some people are more prone to gum disease

Even though bacteria overgrowth is deemed the only cause of gum disease, there are certain risk factors that can increase your likelihood of this condition. For example, people who smoke are more prone to tartar accumulation.

Tartar is a calcified deposit that develops when dental plaque hardens. When people smoke, tobacco by-products mix with a plaque and make them firmer. Since tartar accumulation collects bacteria and irritates gums, it contributes to the development of gum disease. Other risk factors for gum disease include:

• Aging
• Heredity
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Stress
• Obesity
• Poor eating habits
• Certain systemic diseases
• Some medications
• Teeth grinding

5. Only early gum disease is curable

Gum disease has two main stages called gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is an early stage that can be successfully treated if caught in time. Without timely and effective treatment, gingivitis can progress and turn into periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis include severe gum bleeding, pus between the teeth, and loose teeth. Certain procedures and medications can help cope with the symptoms of periodontitis but this condition is incurable.

6. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss

People who have advanced gum disease often lose their teeth. This is because inflammation makes gums shrink so the teeth lose their support and may fall out over time. If left untreated, periodontitis may even lead to bone loss. So if you have already lost a tooth because of gum disease, you need to undergo treatment and replace the missing tooth as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may need to undergo bone and/or gum grafting to let the dental specialists install an implant.