What is the root cause of gum disease?

What is the root cause of gum disease?

It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss.

What diseases can cause gum disease?

Some diseases: Cancer, diabetes, and HIV are linked to a higher risk of gingivitis. Drugs: Medications that reduce saliva production can impact a person’s oral health. Dilantin, an epilepsy medication, and angina drugs can also cause abnormal growth of gum tissue, increasing the risk of inflammation.

What causes gum disease in adults?

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing and cleaning in between them regularly, it builds up and irritates your gums. There are things you can do yourself to prevent gum disease.

What are the two most common forms of gum disease?

There are two types of periodontal disease – gingivitis and periodontitis. Each refers to an accumulation of bacteria along the gum line though one is more severe than the other.

Can gum disease happen suddenly?

In rare cases, a condition called acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) can develop suddenly.

What bacteria causes gum disease?

Two types of bacteria are commonly associated with gum disease – Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis. Both of which can survive without oxygen and multiply to cause inflammation of the gums. When these organisms produce toxins it disrupts cultures of normal and healthy oral bacteria.

Can gum disease go away?

Gingivitis can be reversed with professional treatment and good home oral care. Ongoing gum inflammation can cause periodontitis, eventually causing pockets to develop between your gums and teeth that fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria. In time, these pockets become deeper, filling with more bacteria.

Does gum disease go away?

How fast does gum disease spread?

During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease.

What vitamin is good for gums?

Vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens your gums and the soft tissue in your mouth. It can protect against gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, and can prevent your teeth from loosening.

Is gum disease an infection?

Periodontitis (per-e-o-don-TIE-tis), also called gum disease, is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and, without treatment, can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is common but largely preventable.

How do dentists treat gum disease?

Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. Topical antibiotics can include antibiotic mouth rinses or insertion of gels containing antibiotics in the space between your teeth and gums or into pockets after deep cleaning.

Do a lot of people get gum disease?

47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases with age, 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease.

What are the stages of gum disease?

Periodontitis is broken down into four stages:

• Periodontitis Stage 1: Initial.
• Periodontitis Stage 2: Moderate.
• Periodontitis Stage 3: Severe with the potential tooth loss.
• Periodontitis Stage 4: Severe with the potential loss of all teeth.

What is Stage 3 gum disease?

Stage 3: Advanced Periodontitis

In this final stage, periodontitis has been left untreated and has become advanced periodontitis. Bacteria that was allowed to grow, spread, and cause destruction has destroyed the connective tissues and bones that support the teeth.

How can I get my gums back to normal?

Here are a few ways you can help keep your gums healthy.

1. Floss. Floss at least once a day.
2. Get regular dental cleanings. Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis.
3. Quit smoking.
4. Brush twice a day.
5. Use fluoride toothpaste.
6. Use a therapeutic mouthwash.

Is lemon water good for your gums?

“Lemon water’s acidity can be damaging to your teeth, gums, and enamel in the long-term, unless you implement a few simple steps to reduce damage and protect your teeth from erosion, decay, or yellowing,” she says.

Can gum disease come on suddenly?

What does early stage gum disease look like?

Gingivitis – Early Stage of Gum Disease
Swollen or bleeding gums. Bad breath or a metallic taste in the mouth. Receding gums. Increasing spaces between teeth.

What toothpaste is best for periodontal disease?

Colgate ® Total ® Gum Health Toothpaste
Its anti-bacterial formula reduces plaque build-up that causes periodontal disease forming a protective layer that continues to fight bacteria for the next 12 hours.

Does stress cause gum disease?

Stress increases your risk for gum disease.
When your immune system is worn down by stress, the harmful bacteria in your mouth seize the opportunity to wreak havoc on your gums. Ultimately, this causes an infection of the gums known as gingivitis. Gingivitis, in its earliest stages, is easy to manage.

Can periodontitis be seen on xray?

X-rays in Periodontal Evaluation
Since the bone is what keeps your teeth secure, bone loss is an indication of periodontitis, which is a serious oral infection. By utilizing x-rays, your dentist can spot bone loss early and refer you to a periodontist who can diagnose your stage of gum disease.

What foods help gums heal?

7 Foods That Support Gum Health

• Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. Fresh fruits and vegetables that are crunchy and full of fiber can help keep teeth clean and healthy, and lower the risk of plaque build up.
• Milk, Yogurt, Dairy.
• Water.
• Sugar Free Gum.
• Tea.
• Nuts.
• Whole Grains.

Can an xray show gum disease?

Well there’s good reason for them and below are the main reasons why. Sometimes decay isn’t visible to the naked eye and exists in areas the dentist cannot see. Gum disease can cause bone loss and an x-ray will show how advanced it is. Sometimes decay under fillings can occur and can only be seen with an x-ray.

Is it too late to save my gums?

It’s never too late to seek treatment for gum disease, and the degree of treatment you require will depend on how advanced it is.