How to identify gum diseases

Gum diseases do not just mean short-term bleeding or irritation; they can even lead to loss of teeth. It’s very important to detect gum diseases very early for their proper diagnosis and treatment. Gum diseases generally start with bacterial infection, which aggresses the gums, and even the ligaments and bones that bear the teeth and embrace them in the jaw. If the gum diseases are caught and detected earlier, then the treatment is generally painless. And for that, you require customary dental check-ups, otherwise you might not know that you actually have a dental problem until your teeth and gums become gravely spoiled and tooth loss becomes inevitable.

Gum diseases are also called periodontal diseases, and more common periodontal diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis, which are grave dental illnesses and can even lead to tooth loss. The literal meaning of the word ‘periodontal’ is ‘around the tooth’. Periodontal illness can involve many teeth, or just one tooth. It initiates when the bacteria present in the plaque causes the gums to get inflamed. Plaque is the colourless, sticky layer that continually appears on your teeth.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the gentlest kind of periodontal disease. This disease makes the gums turn red, and they become swollen and bleed. There is typically no uneasiness at this point. Gingivitis is frequently caused by insufficient oral hygiene. It can be cured with good oral care and professional treatment.

Periodontitis

If you don’t treat your gingivitis, it can take the form of periodontitis. Over time, plaque can increase and cultivate below the gums. Bacteria in plaque produce some toxins that lead to irritation in the gums. These toxins arouse a persistent inflammatory reaction and the body turns against itself, and the bones and tissues supporting the teeth break down and are destroyed. Gums get detached from teeth, making spaces between gums and teeth, which get infected. As this disease spreads, these pockets or gaps get deeper and more tissues of gums and bones are torn down. Most of the time, this entire process does not have strong symptoms. Ultimately, teeth may become loose and would have to be removed.

To prevent gum diseases and to maintain excellent oral health, you should visit your dentist every six months or for the following reasons:

1. When your gums begin to bleed

2. When your gums become swollen

3. If you develop a bad smell in your mouth, or get a bad taste

4. When your gums become pale or red

5. If your teeth start paining

6. If your teeth get loose in the sockets

To prevent gum diseases, you should take proper care of your oral hygiene. Here are some tips to improve your oral hygiene.

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Be sure to brush in the up and down direction instead of side-to-side direction.

2. Change your toothbrush every three months.

3. You can also use mouthwash for extra protection. Mouthwash eliminates the bacteria in your mouth.

4. Avoid sweets. Sweets are bad for your teeth.