Gum DiseaseWhat Is Gum Disease?At our Seattle Dentist Eastide Bellevue Dentist office many people ask us the question, "What is gum disease?" This page answers that question. The mouth is full of millions of bacteria that are constantly moving around. Some bacteria do not do anything bad, while others can attack the teeth and gums. The destructive bacteria are found in a colorless sticky substance called plaque, which is what causes the problem. If the plaque is not cleaned off, it builds up on the teeth and eventually bothers the gums and causes bleeding. If the plaque continues to go uncleaned, bone and connective tissue are destroyed, and teeth often become loose and may have to be removed. In order to prevent your teeth from falling out, pay attention to everyday oral hygiene (brushing and flossing twice per day). Add to that professional cleanings twice a year in our Seattle Dentist Eastside Bellevue Dentist office and that could be all that you need to prevent a problem--and actually reverse the early stages while helping you keep your teeth for a lifetime. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, refers to bacterial growth that slowly destroy the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. "Periodontal" means "around the tooth." Gum disease begins with plaque, which is constantly forming on your teeth, without you even knowing it. When it grows to excessive levels, it can harden into tartar (calculus) in as little as 24 hours. Tartar is so tightly bound to teeth that it can be removed only during a professional cleaning.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis Gingivitis and periodontitis are the two main stages of gum disease. Each stage is identified by what a dentist sees and feels in your mouth, and by what's happening under your gumline. Even though gingivitis usually happens before periodontitis, it's important to know that not all gingivitis becomes periodontitis. When gingivitis begins, the gums can become red and swollen and bleed, even during toothbrushing. Bleeding is definitely a sign that your mouth is unhealthy and needs attention. The gums may be irritated, but the teeth are still firmly in place. No bone or other tissue damage has happened at this stage. Although dental disease in America remains a serious public health concern, recent developments indicate that the situation is far from hopeless. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can become periodontitis. At this point, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth (recede) and create little pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gumline. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to deteriorate the bone and periodontal ligaments that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. At this point, because there is no longer an anchor for the teeth, they become progressively looser, and if left unattended, the ultimate outcome is tooth loss. How do you know if you have Gum Disease?Periodontal disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Then one day, on a visit to your dentist, you might be told that you have chronic gum disease and that you may be at increased risk of losing your teeth.< Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs. Certain symptoms may point to some form of the disease. They include:
Contact UsIf you have any of these signs, please call our Seattle Dentist Eastside Bellevue Dentist office at (425) 454-2005. We can take care of the plaque and tartar in a friendly and professional manner and help get you back on the road to healthy gums and teeth. |