What is Gum Disease? Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a severe infection that affects the gums. Without treatment, it can affect the bones and teeth. This disease can cause the teeth to be loose and even fall out. It is generally caused by poor oral hygiene. Periodontal disease is commonly painless in adult patients, thus hard to detect. Regardless of how frequent the disease is said to be, it must be treated properly because of its potential severity. During a regular check-up, our dental team at Wildhorse Dental can check for signs of gum disease by evaluating the space between the gums and teeth. Stages of Periodontal DiseasePeriodontal disease develops just underneath the gum line, causing smaller pockets to form between the gums and the teeth. The two stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the early stage. It is the inflammation of the gums without loss of the soft tissue and bone. The gums start to swell, become red, and may bleed. At this stage, the disease is easily detected and treated by flossing and regular brushing. When gingivitis is left untreated, it develops into periodontitis. At this stage, you experience increased sensitivity, sores in the mouth, and pain when chewing. The teeth and the jawbone are seriously affected, and the teeth start to become loose and fall out. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is not reversible because the disease has affected the bone, which cannot recover. It is critical to treat periodontal disease as soon as possible. Periodontal disease can be avoided or slowed down by scheduling frequent check-ups and cleanings and maintaining good, everyday oral hygiene routines. How Long Does Periodontal Disease Take to Progress?Periodontal disease starts with the early stage of gingivitis, where the gums swell within five days. After two to three weeks, the signs become more visible if left untreated. It later progresses to periodontitis. After this stage, you have the highest risk of bone and tooth loss. How Common is Gum Disease?Almost half of US adults aged 30 and older have gum disease. Periodontal disease is a public health issue that is strongly linked to other illnesses. The disease increases with age and is most common in older people. Severe periodontal disease is the 11th most common disease nationally. Causes of Periodontal DiseaseGum disease commonly starts with dental plaque, which consists of a sticky biofilm containing bacteria. Without treatment, the disease worsens. Gum disease is mostly caused by poor oral hygiene. When you do not brush, dental plaque starts to build up and accumulate. The bacteria also build up and start to penetrate towards the tooth roots. If not checked, the soft tissues and bones are destroyed, making your gums pull away from the teeth, hence forming spaces. Eventually, your teeth become loose and may even have to be removed or they fall out. Who Can Develop Periodontal Disease?Periodontal disease has no age or gender restrictions and can affect anyone at any time. It is commonly caused by poor dental hygiene, such as not brushing or flossing the teeth at least twice a day. People who smoke are two times more likely to be affected. In addition, some medications can increase the risk of developing gum disease. If you suspect that you have gum disease, visit Wildhorse Dental for help. Give us a call at 636-537-0447 to book an appointment. Get in touch with us immediately, so we can begin the process of restoring your gum health. |
Office HoursMonday: 8:00am-5:00pm Tuesday: 7:30am-4:00pm Wednesday: 7:30am-4:00pm Thursday: 7:30am-3:00pm Fri‑Sun: Closed |
