Bacteria accumulate in gum disease tissues, causing inflammation. It causes the attachment between the gum and tooth to break down, allowing harmful anaerobic bacteria to invade the teeth and the supporting bone structure. Good oral hygiene is essential to prevent periodontitis. It includes twice daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings.
Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity is not only irritating, but it can also be a sign that you have periodontal disease. As gum disease progresses, the tissue recedes and exposes sensitive root areas. When hot, cold, acidic, or sweet foods touch those roots, they can trigger pain. Those sensations range from a slight twinge to an intense, shock-like pain. Sensitive teeth can also result from specific hygienic actions, such as overzealous brushing, which can wear down the enamel that protects the roots. Extremely abrasive toothpaste or whitening products can also cause the same problem. Receding gums can also create pockets that collect food debris and allow harmful anaerobic bacteria to colonize. The bacteria release toxins that damage the gum tissues, teeth, and bones supporting them. The toxins can even break down the connective tissue that holds the tooth in place, creating a gap known as a periodontal pocket.
Dental clinics like MR Dental Aesthetics will be able to recognize the presence of periodontitis during a routine dental examination. They will examine the area for signs of plaque build-up and may refer you to a periodontist for further evaluation or treatment. Periodontal disease can be avoided with a balanced diet, frequent dental checkups, and good at-home oral hygiene practices. Proactively, you can avoid painful and expensive complications like tooth loss.
Receding Gums
Recessing gums can happen during gingivitis, the early stages of gum disease. The gums are pulled on and irritated by the bacteria in the plaque. It causes them to detach from the teeth, exposing more roots. Treating the gums in this stage is crucial because it can advance to periodontitis, damaging or even destroying the bones that support the teeth. Gingivitis is easily reversible and can be prevented by regular brushing, flossing, and cleanings from your dentist, eating well, not smoking, drinking plenty of water, and visiting your dentist on a schedule that meets your needs. Certain medications and lifestyle factors can aggravate gingivitis, including diabetes, steroid use, some autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause.
Because periodontitis destroys the bone around teeth, teeth may become loose and eventually fall out. To restore the bone and maintain the position of your tooth, your dentist might suggest a process called a bone graft. They can perform this surgery using bits of your bone, donated bone, or artificial material. It can prevent tooth loss and help you keep your natural teeth longer. Bone grafts also have the potential to promote the growth of new bone. The exposed tooth root can be covered, and your smile can look better with gum tissue grafted from the roof of your mouth or another source.
Bad Breath
A persistent lousy odor that doesn’t go away can signify periodontal disease. It can result in a build-up of bacteria in the gum pockets and is brought on by bacteria breaking down protein from food. The anaerobic bacteria in these pockets release toxins that cause inflammation and destruction of the gum tissues and bone. Gingivitis is a mild and reversible form of the disease that a good oral hygiene routine can control, including brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleaning visits. Periodontitis, a more severe disease, can develop from gingivitis without treatment. It is characterized by pockets between the teeth and gums and the formation of more harmful anaerobic organisms.
These microorganisms can settle in deeper periodontal pockets, and their inflammatory reaction further deteriorates the gums and surrounding bone. Over time, this leads to more bone loss and loose teeth, which can eventually fall out. The best way to catch periodontitis is by visiting your dentist regularly for examinations and X-rays. It allows your dentist to identify any signs of the disease early and take steps to prevent its progression.
Changes in Sense of Taste
If you experience a change in your sense of taste, it could be a sign that gum disease is causing tooth and nerve damage. The bacteria that cause periodontal disease release unpleasant odors that can affect your sense of smell and taste. Gingivitis marks the beginning of periodontal disease. The red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums are signs of gingivitis. Gingivitis is often painless and reversible with good oral care, routine dental cleanings, and regular dental exams. As gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the bacterial infection destroys the connective and bone tissue that holds teeth in place. The bones become loose, and teeth begin to fall out. Patients with advanced periodontitis frequently have painful chewing and swallowing. Aside from spreading to other areas of the body, infections also raise the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Make an appointment for a professional cleaning every six months. Flossing helps eliminate plaque lodged between teeth and is too small for your toothbrush to reach. Plaque can be removed between your teeth using an interdental brush, dental pick, or “water flosser” if you cannot access a general dentist. Gum tissue, bone grafting, and scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning that eliminates toxins beneath the gum line—are treatment options if you already have periodontitis.
