Gingivitis And Periodontitis How Gum Disease Progresses

Gum disease develops gradually until it eventually causes the patient’s jawbone to erode, and their teeth to shift. Unless the problem is addressed by a dentist, one or more teeth may need to be extracted. Despite the serious problems that can stem from this disorder, most people are unfamiliar with the process by which it starts. Moreover, they are unaware of how it advances.

We’ll focus on this dental problem in more detail below. We’ll describe the symptoms that accompany gum disease (also called periodontal disease), and explain how it develops from stage to stage. You’ll learn how gingivitis evolves into periodontitis, and the dangers the latter condition introduces.

Common Signs Of Gum Disease

Periodontal disease (PD) is characterized by inflammation of the gums. The gums appear swollen and red, or bleed after brushing and flossing. Some patients experience pain when their gums are touched, or even while chewing.

Other signs include persistent halitosis as well as an unpleasant taste in the patient’s mouth. As the condition progresses, the gumline usually recedes, exposing the bottom portion of the teeth. Abscesses may form, causing pus to appear in the area. With time, and in the absence of treatment, one or more teeth will likely become loose, and begin to shift.

It’s worth noting that some of these symptoms are nonspecific; they can be due to factors that are unrelated to periodontal disease. When multiple warning signs are taken into account, however, the likelihood of a competing diagnosis is slim.

How Gingivitis Occurs

Most people are familiar with plaque. It is a colorless material that forms on the surface of the teeth as the result of bacteria in our mouths. However, many people are unaware that this material is constantly forming; this is one of the reasons dentists recommend brushing twice a day. When plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth – either by lack of brushing or improper technique – it turns into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone.

Eventually, plaque and tartar release toxins that trigger a response from the body’s immune system. The body attempts to fight infection by causing the gums to become inflamed. This inflammation marks the beginning of gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease.

At this stage, the bone and tissue in the patient’s mouth have not yet begun to erode. The condition can still be resolved by a thorough dental cleaning. Neglecting treatment opens the door to the next stage of disease: periodontitis.

When Gingivitis Progresses To Periodontitis

If plaque and tartar are left on the teeth for an extended period, inflammation will begin to erode the gumline. The gums will recede, allowing pockets to form. These pockets will quickly become infected as bacteria is allowed to flourish.

At the same time, the toxins that were released earlier will increase in volume, attacking the patient’s bone and supporting tissues. As the bone and tissue become steadily weaker, they will become less capable of supporting the teeth. One or more may loosen, and begin to shift.

The damage that occurs during periodontitis is irreversible. Thus, loose or shifting teeth must be removed.

The Dangers Of Periodontal Disease

Years of research has shown that the effects of gingivitis and periodontitis may extend beyond the gums and teeth. For example, gingivitis, as a bacterial infection, may introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. As gum disease progresses, and the level of bacteria in the patient’s blood rises, the risk of heart disease also increases.

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) suggests that gum disease can also lead to stroke. Other studies have established a connection between periodontal disease and diabetes, kidney disease, osteoporosis, respiratory problems, and issues affecting pregnancy.

Because advanced gum disease can lead to tooth and bone loss, as well as numerous health issues, have the problem treated when you notice signs of inflammation. Avoid waiting since the condition is progressive, and doing so may result in irreparable damage.

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