Gum disease, sometimes called periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that can harm the sift soft tissue supporting your teeth. If the infection lingers, it may get worse and potentially affect your jawbone, ultimately resulting in missing teeth. It’s critical that you treat your gum disease, which can present itself with a range of symptoms. Here are the five facts about gum disease that you should be aware of to better understand the condition, including how to prevent it and when to seek professional help.

1. Symptoms of gum disease 

Gum disease can be a silent condition, which means that some symptoms might not show up until the infection has progressed significantly. Any of the following signs should be taken seriously as they may point to a major problem:

  • Swollen gums that hurt 
  • Gums that bleed when you floss or brush 
  • Gum recession 
  • Pockets of pus in your gums 
  • Mouth sores
  • Persistent bad breath 
  • Changes in your bite
  • Changes in how your dentures fit

2. How the condition progresses 

Gum disease has four stages of progression, including:

  • Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, which can be reversed with good oral hygiene and routine visits to the dentist.
  • Mild periodontal disease can develop if gingivitis is not treated. At this point, your gums may gradually begin to peel away from the teeth, making it more challenging to remove plaque using a simple floss or a toothbrush.
  • Moderate periodontal disease is characterized by losing even more bone as the supporting tissues around the teeth are being destroyed by bacteria. At this moment, your gums could feel sensitive or sore.
  • Severe periodontal disease involves severe inflammation and bleeding gums, seriously exacerbating the above symptoms. 

3. Gum disease runs in families 

Gum disease is thought to have a hereditary component. Hence, you could be more prone to developing this problem if other members of your family do. This is why it’s essential that you visit routine appointments with your dentist. The specialist will find any early signs of infection and address them timely.

4. Certain diseases can make you more prone 

You could have a higher risk of gum disease if you suffer from certain illnesses, such as diabetes. Diabetes patients often have deprived salivary flow, and the saliva their mouths do produce may have higher glucose levels. This causes plaque to accumulate and may be a factor in oral infections.

5. Regular dental visits are essential 

Even though using mouthwash, flossing, and brushing are excellent ways to preserve the health of your teeth and gums, it is still vital to go to the dentist on a regular basis for thorough cleaning to remove tartar and hard-to-reach plaque.

6. Gum disease can lead to other conditions

Researchers have discovered that systems problems brought on by gum disease might have an impact elsewhere in the body. In fact, it has been linked to a number of chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and heart disease. Maintaining good dental health also aids in maintaining good overall health.

7. Healthy nutrition is highly important 

You are certainly aware of the numerous advantages of healthy nutrition, but did you know that dairy products may replenish and fortify the enamel on your teeth? Foods high in calcium, including milk and cheese, can promote the health of teeth, undo the negative effects of other foods, and guard against gum disease.

The bottom line

If you have worries about gingivitis or periodontal disease or you want to schedule a checkup to ensure your dental health is in tip-top shape, do some research online and choose the best-reviewed and most experienced dentist. Find someone who has the expertise to respond to all of your questions, and make sure you’re taking all the essential measures to prevent or treat periodontal disease.