What Are Common Gum Disease Symptoms?
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums caused by plaque and is the earliest form of gum disease. The bacteria in the plaque irritate the gums, making them bleed and become red and swollen. You may notice this sometimes when you brush or floss your teeth. Usually, there is no discomfort from gingivitis, so you may not be aware you have it.
If the gingivitis is not treated, the inflammation can work its way down under the gum towards the bone and tissues, which are the main supporting structures of the tooth. This causes a deepened space down the side of the tooth called a periodontal pocket. As these pockets get deeper, the supporting structures of the tooth are destroyed. Over time this will cause teeth to become loose, resulting in tooth loss. This is termed periodontal (gum) disease, and it's a sure sign that it is time to see a gum disease dentist.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque. If you have no plaque, you will not get gum disease.
However, many factors can contribute to and make gum disease worse. Some of these factors with the latest research are:
- Smoking: If you smoke, you are four times more likely to have gum disease compared to someone who has never smoked
- Diabetes: 2-4 more times likely to develop gum disease
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women who have gum disease may have a seven-fold increased risk of delivering a pre-term, low birth-weight baby
- Cardiovascular Disease: 2 times more likely to develop gum disease
- Genetic Factors: Evidence suggests a significant genetic component to the susceptibility to periodontal disease. We now know that at least two genes are related to gum disease. Genetic testing for these genes is carried out in the USA and is not available here in New Zealand as yet.
Can Gum Disease Be Cured?
The problem is that once gum disease has already progressed, it cannot be cured because once bone loss has occurred around a tooth, the bone will not grow back. However, gum disease can be treated by removing the plaque from the gum pocket through scaling and root planing, therefore stopping the infection from progressing any further. The treatment aim is to gain stability and stop further gum disease progression.
Gum Disease Symptoms Can Worsen
The problem is that until the gum disease gets quite severe, there are very few symptoms. Pain is not a symptom until the gum disease is often very advanced. By that stage, it is often too late as there has been too much bone loss around the tooth, which may already be loose.
Does Gum Disease Treatment Hurt?
Gum treatment of a healthy mouth should not cause discomfort. Treatment of red, inflamed gums can be uncomfortable for some people, so our dentist and hygienist in Dunedin, Otago, have various pain control techniques available. It is important for you as a patient to let us know if you are experiencing any discomfort, as this can be controlled.
Contact Bell Hill Dental for Gum Disease Treatment in Dunedin, Otago
If you are showing signs of gum disease or would like to arrange a dental exam in Dunedin, Otago, we invite you to contact Bell Hill Dental on 03-477 8387. We strive to prevent gum disease in our patients with routine dental services.
