Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases are gum diseases and include gingivitis and periodontitus. They are serious infections that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Any dental insurance company would want you to know all about this disease, so here is some information for you. Periodontal literally means "around the tooth" and that is where the infection occurs and affects gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.

Symptoms of Periodontal Diseases

Gum disease is often silent, which means symptoms may not rear their ugly head until the advanced stage of the disease. There are warning signs of periodontal disease that you should look out for, including:

• Constant bad breath
• Sores in your mouth particularly around the gums
• Gums are red, swollen or tender
• Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Teeth look longer than before due to receding gums
• Teeth are separating or becoming loose
• Your teeth fit together differently when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures

Many people don't know they have this serious infection that can lead to tooth loss if not treated. It begins when the bacteria in plaque causes the gums to become inflamed.

Causes of Gum Disease

Plaque is the main cause of gum disease but other factors also affect gum health. Studies have shown smoking and tobacco use to be a significant risk factor in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Hormonal changes, particularly during puberty, pregnancy and menopause in women can affect the tissues in your gums.

Stress makes it difficult for the body to fight infections including periodontal diseases and diabetes and other health issues may affect the body’s immune system.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease, you should contact your dentist immediately. If you put it off, it will only get worse. Deal with it now.