Oral concerns, though preventable, are a major health burden for several countries on a global level. They can take a negative toll on an individual’s day-to-day life routine, causing pain, discomfort, and hindrance in their regular schedule. In fact, according to a report by WHO, around 3.5 billion individuals suffer from some or other kinds of oral diseases. Around 19% of the global population, meaning more than 1 billion cases, suffer from periodontal diseases or what we generally call gum diseases and complications.
Gum disease refers to an infection and inflammation in the gums and the surrounding bones of your teeth. Bleeding gums and gum disease can be commonly caused by poor oral hygiene. However, some individuals are more prone to developing these infections.
Types of Gum Diseases
When you have healthy gums, they are firm. They do not swell or bleed. However, the same changes with gum disease. When you struggle with gum disease, it may cause bleeding, discoloration, swelling, and other kinds of discomfort that may get worse when not diagnosed or treated in time.
These gum diseases progress slowly and gradually in stages. Here are some common types of Gum diseases:
- Gingivitis
This is one of the primary stages of a gum infection and also the most common one. When struggling with gingivitis, an individual may see symptoms like puffy or swollen gums. This happens because of the accumulation of bacteria or plaque in your gums. However, you must understand that there is no bone lost until this stage, meaning it is recoverable. Regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene may help.
- Periodontitis
When left untreated for a while, gingivitis may turn into something severe like periodontitis. At this stage, your gums are infected and inflamed, plus the surrounding bones also start deteriorating. Periodontal disease has common symptoms like the occurrence of spacing between your gums and teeth, loosened teeth, bad breath, and more. At this stage, you are advised to consult an oral expert at the earliest to avoid worsening the situation.
- Aggressive Periodontitis
A severe type of gum disease that is common among the young population or individuals with a genetic history. This gum disease is aggressive, meaning there is excessive loss of bones and tissues, which ultimately leads to tooth loss, too. Timely diagnosis and process treatment may help manage the condition effectively.
- Chronic Periodontitis
It is one of the most common types of gum infections that spreads slowly and gradually. It damages gum tissues as well as surrounding bones. Routine check-ups and customized treatment plans can come in handy for treating chronic periodontitis.
- Necrotising Periodontitis
Necrotizing periodontal concern is a rare yet quite severe oral condition. It is common among malnourished individuals or people with weak immunity. Some of the most common symptoms include inflation, fast tooth destruction, gum ulcers, and so on. At this stage, it is best to immediately see a doctor and seek professional help to prevent the situation from getting any worse.
Symptoms of Gum Diseases
Now that you know what gum diseases are and what are some of their stages and common types, let’s move ahead. Let’s see some of its common symptoms that may help you identify your condition for better diagnosis and treatment.
- Discoloration of gums, mostly turning into red or purple
- Loosening in your teeth
- Bleeding gums
- Bad breath
- Tooth pain while chewing
- Recession in your gums
How Gum Disease are Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of your gum disease starts with visiting a dentist. They may tell you if you have or have not a gum infection based on your symptoms and a routine test. Further, you may be suggested to a periodontist who may help with further diagnosis and treatment.
The common diagnosis method includes using a periodontal probe to see pockets supporting your teeth. This helps the doctor understand the lost bone surrounding your teeth. Next, your bites may be assessed to check your teeth loosening and gum recession.
Dental X-rays can also help understand the situation of your teeth and bones.
Treatment for Gum Disease
There are several ways to treat gum diseases. However, the first step is to develop a good oral hygiene routine. Regular cleaning and dental hygiene can keep your teeth clean and healthy, free from bacteria or any other kind of plaque and infections. Such a routine can help treat infections at primary stages, like gingivitis. Other than this, here are some of the most popular treatments for gum diseases:
- Scaling and Root Planing
This is a deep cleaning procedure that aims to clean all the tartar and plaque buildup. Targeted at gumline, this type of treatment helps prevent gum disease and maintain good oral health. Some of the most popular benefits of this great include reduced gum inflammation, helping control periodontal disease progression, fresh breath, better aesthetics, and so on.
- Periodontal Maintenance
Similar to regular cleaning, what makes periodontal maintenance different from others is its frequency. These are more frequent helping you clean excessive tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth and gum pockets.
- Bone Grafting
Bone grafting is a unique treatment that helps you restore bone density while also giving some volume in your jaw. This ultimately provides a solid base for dental implants, ensuring quality oral functionality. With bone grafting, you prevent bone loss and your natural facial contours.
Conclusion
Gum diseases may look common and painless in the start. However, it is quite important to read the alarming signs and treat them in a timely manner. Not doing so can take a toll on your oral and overall health and wellness. Poor dental health can also impact your mood and ability to do various day-to-day tasks and may also affect your confidence. If you are struggling with symptoms like bleeding swollen gums or gum inflammation, delay no more. Book an appointment at your earliest convenience at Heritage Dental. Call us at (734) 789-4997 to book your appointment today! We ensure happy, healthy teeth and oral health!
