Harsh wakes up in the morning only to find bleeding gums on brushing and bad breath, soon after he realizes all of his friends are also troubled by oral problems, but nobody seems to care enough as there is no pain associated with other symptoms. Being an aware individual Harsh was perturbed by the negligence people had for their oral health. However, his problem mitigated on seeking professional help.
Harsh was observant enough to perceive these minor symptoms and get them cured on time, but majority of the population is disregardful about their oral problems. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned? Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.
These minor symptoms are the predisposing gum diseases existing in your oral cavity which can lead you to deleterious oral conditions.
There are two types of gum diseases:
- Gingivitis (mild to moderate inflammation of your gums) which if left untreated can progress into much more serious condition called Periodontitis.
- Periodontitis can result in tooth loss and even destruction of jaw bone.
GUM DISEASES
Both of these conditions are very common and vary widely in severity. There is also evidence that untreated gum disease can increase the risk of other systematic disease. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
- Heart Disease and Atherosclerosis – Although the connection is unclear, Gum disease can also lead to the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
- Stroke – Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke that is caused by blocked arteries.
- Diabetes – Compared to the diabetic people with healthy gums, people suffering with diabetes and periodontal disease are more likely to have problem in controlling the blood sugar level.
- Respiratory disease – Gum disease may cause lung infections and worsen existing lung conditions when bacteria from the mouth reach the lungs.
- Poor pregnancy outcomes
- Dementia
“Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it.”
Here are a list of symptoms you can keep a watch on:
- Gums that bleed easily even during brushing and flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Frequently developing mouth sores
- Swollen, shiny and visibly irritated gums
- Gums that are tender to the touch
- Painful chewing
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
- Gums that look like they're pulling away from the teeth
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Spaces opening up between teeth
- Observe any change in the teeth fitting together while biting
- Observe Any change in the fitting of the partial dentures
- White spots or plaques on the gums
- Pus between gums or teeth
Okay so now that you are conscious about the symptoms lets have a look at what causes you to have such oral problems:
Poor oral hygiene which causes to plaque formation in the oral cavity is the main cause of gum disease, several other factors also contribute. These are factors that can increase your risk of gum disease or make it worse once the infection has set in-
- Crowded teeth or Misaligned, bridgework or braces — Anything that makes it more difficult to brush or floss
- Use of Tobacco or smoking – is also the another reason to quit smoking
- Injury to your gums that can result from overly aggressive brushing and flossing
- Poorly fitting braces, crowns, and dentures
- Grinding, gritting or clenching of teeth
- Stress
- Genetic predisposition and susceptibility
- Aging
- Systemic diseases and conditions such as diabetes
- Cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions that weaken the immune system
- Hormonal fluctuations (in pregnancy and puberty)
- Certain medications, such as Dilantin (phenytoin) and birth control pills steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
- Inadequate nutrition — Nutrition is important for overall good health, including a working immune system and healthy gums and mouth.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this hidden danger at initial stage is a non-complex basic procedure which is best treated at Dr. Sachdeva’s Dental Clinic, Delhi. Deep professional cleaning along with anti-microbial medications is all what you need. Any type of treatment requires you to keep up good daily care at home. We also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome. Disease at extensive level (periodontitis) requires certain minor surgical intervention. To get an appointment with us call on 09818894041 or 01142464041