Learn More About
Gum Disease

Sometimes it can be hard to distinguish the signs and symptoms of periodontal disease until severe damage has already been done to the gum tissues. However, here are some of the common early indications that you might be developing this condition:

• Gums that easily bleed.
  If you start noticing your gums become more sensitive and bleed easily during brushing or flossing, it can be one of the early signs of gum disease.
  
  
• Constant bad breath or taste.
  Bad-smelling odour or taste in your mouth that seems to not go away can be caused by a bacterial infection associated with gum disease.
  
  
• Gums that are tender and swollen.
  When your gums are painful to the touch, puffy, or red, they are signs of poor gum health.
  
  
• Dental abscess.
  Bacteria in the mouth can lead to infection, which may collect pus between teeth and gums. You may notice a foul yellowish-to-white fluid in the affected area.
  
  
• Receding gums.
  Gums that pull away happen when bacteria destroy the gum tissue.
  
  
• Loose teeth.
  As your gums begin to recede, your dental roots can be exposed and loosen your teeth. It may also change your bite or how your upper and lower teeth fit together.

Gum disease begins with the inflammation of the gingiva (gum) tissue, which is caused by bacteria. As bacteria remain on the teeth’s surface for a long time, they form plaque, which hardens into tartar. Unfortunately, when tartar accumulates below the gum line, this makes the teeth harder to clean and can potentially lead to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease. Eventually, without prompt treatment, the condition can progress into a more advanced state.

Other factors that can increase the risk of gum disease include poor oral hygiene practices, smoking, crooked teeth, ill-fitting dentures or bridges, and female hormonal imbalances.

The early stage is gingivitis. It is the mildest form and is reversible with proper care and treatment. But it can turn into periodontitis, which is a more advanced periodontal disease that may cause irreversible damage to your mouth. If ignored, it may lead to the following stages:

• Stage 1:
  Initial. During the initial stage of periodontitis, the inflammation worsens and destroys the fibre tissue that connects tooth roots to the gums. Once this stage has been reached, the damage may be impossible to reverse.
  
  
• Stage 2:
  Moderate. You might still be unlikely to feel pain, but neglecting the initial stage of gum disease can allow a bacterial infection to continue to deteriorate the periodontal ligaments and cause deeper pockets between gums and teeth.
  
  
• Stage 3:
  Severe. Severe periodontitis can ruin the bone and carries a heightened risk of tooth loss at this stage. In other cases, the person already has missing teeth, and the remaining ones are loose. Treatment is significantly necessary.

Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease (gum disease) are more likely to get cardiovascular disease. Their risk goes up by 19%, and for people aged 65 and older, the risk increases to 44%. Additionally, there have been potential links between gum disease and other medical conditions, including heart disease. A systematic review identified that periodontitis is strongly associated with the potential of developing other serious oral health conditions if not addressed properly, making it essential to schedule regular checkups with a dentist.