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 Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease (Periodontitis)We have many types of bacteria in our mouths but there are a few that are very destructive. If the plaque is not cleaned from our teeth every day, it will produce an acid that will cause inflammation of the gums called gingivitis and an acid attack on the teeth causing tooth decay. Gingivitis will cause red, swollen and bleeding gums and if left untreated will lead to periodontitis (inflammation of the supporting structures of the teeth). This happens when the soft plaque hardens into tartar and begins to build under the edge of the gum causing more inflammation and pockets of infection. If not removed by professional scaling (cleaning), the disease will progress and soon destroy the entire tooth support system. Gum disease can also be caused or made worse by irritants such as cigarette smoke, alcohol, poor diet, pregnancy (hormones), certain medications like anti-epilepsy drugs and chemotherapy, and diseases like diabetes, anemia, and eating disorders. Periodontal disease occurs when the tissues supporting your teeth break down because of constant inflammation. These are the bone plus the fibres that connect the tooth to the bone and the gums. Periodontal disease or periodontitis starts when your body can no longer fight the infection caused by bacterial plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth. The symptoms of periodontitis can be loose or shifting teeth, bleeding gums, gums that separate from the teeth, teeth that appear long and possibly puss that comes up from the pockets around the teeth causing bad breath and foul taste. You can treat gingivitis yourself by good brushing and flossing and by visiting your dental hygienist regularly. Periodontitis is often a disease that you do not know you have until it is too late. Once you have it, you may need deep cleaning and more advanced treatment to prevent it from getting worse. However, you can catch it early before serious damage is done. To prevent periodontal disease, you should brush and floss well, do not smoke or quit smoking, eat a healthy diet, minimize unhealthy snacking and have regular oral health check-ups.
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