Periodontal disease or gum disease is caused due to bacterial growth in your mouth and, when not adequately treated, may result in tooth loss due to knocking down the surrounding tissues of teeth.
Gum Disease Types
Gingivitis
Gingivitis or gum inflammation is the mildest form of periodontal disease and typically occurs before gum disease. It results in swollen, red, and bleeding gums.
However, not all gingivitis leads to gum disease. The majority of people get gum inflammation or gingivitis at some point in their lives. Its mild symptoms are usually ignored by most of them, which can turn into more significant dental issues.
In the early stage of gum disease, bacteria responsible for plaque build-up results in inflamed gums and bleeding during brushing. Despite the fact that the gums are irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their respective sockets, and no damage to the bone or other tissue occurs during this stage.
Fortunately, gum disease or gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene. You can easily prevent or even reverse it by maintaining simple dental hygiene practices such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing, and frequent dental checkups and cleanings.
Periodontitis
Untreated gingivitis results in periodontitis. In case you miss brushing, flossing, and rinsing, a sticky film of food and bacteria known as plaque builds up around your teeth. It results in the release of acids that attack the outer shell of teeth, called enamel, causing its decay. Within 72 hours, this plaque hardens into tartar along the gum line. This makes it difficult to clean your gums and teeth correctly. After some time, this build-up starts irritating your gums, causing gum disease.
In periodontitis, the inner layer of the jaw bone and gum pulls away from the teeth, resulting in pockets. These pockets accumulate debris and get infected. Our immune system fights these bacteria as the plaque grows and spreads below the gum line.
Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque and the good enzymes of the body get involved in fighting infections. They break down the connective tissue and bone that hold teeth in their place. With time, the pockets deepen, and more bone and gum tissues get destroyed. As a result, teeth are no longer anchored in place; they become loose and lead to tooth loss.
Please reach out to our dental practice in Pleasanton, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist Pleasanton CA, Dr. Dogra. Please call us at (925) 600-9006 or schedule an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further.