Warning Signs of Gum Disease

If all of your teeth are rotting, breaking, and falling out, the problem may not be your teeth. It may be some of the symptoms of gum disease. Periodontal (gums) disease is the result of bacteria in plaque infecting the gums causing them to swell and bleed. It has been linked to mouth cancer.

• Gingivitis is the most common and mildest form of gum disease. It's usually caused by not taking proper oral hygiene steps. It is not usually painful, but it causes the gums to swell, become red, and bleed frequently. Gingivitis can be cured with professional dental treatment and good oral hygiene practices.

• Periodontitis- When gingivitis is untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. The bacterium from plaque infects the gums, causing the gums to separate from the teeth. This loosens the teeth and creates pocket openings between the teeth and gums, which becomes infected. As it progresses, gum tissue is destroyed and teeth rot. There are different kinds of periodontitis.

- Aggressive periodontitis- This condition tends to be hereditary. It is characterized by severe bone loss and gum tissue destruction.

- Chronic periodontitis- This form generally progresses slower than the aggressive form. This is the most common form of periodontitis. It is evidenced by receding gums and pockets forming between teeth and gums.

- Periodontitis accompanying systemic diseases- Heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory diseases may cause this form of gum disease. It often begins at a young age.

- Necrotizing periodontal disease- This is a very serious condition usually associated with a weakened or nonfunctional immune system, such as when a person has HIV, malnutrition, or immunosuppression, perhaps as the result of chemotherapy. It is an infection which causes the necrosis (death) of gingival (gums) tissue, periodontal ligament (the part of the gums that is supposed to secure the root of the tooth, and alveolar bone (the bone inside the gums which secures the tooth).

These are the most common forms of periodontal disease, from less severe and easily treated, to severe. Educate yourself to avoid these infections. Choose plaque-fighting methods, since plaque is the enemy to your teeth and gums. Protect the enamel of your teeth, since when it is gone, it cannot be restored.

Tooth infection and loss can be very painful. As teeth are removed or fall out, the ability to chew food properly is lessened. Improperly-chewed food can cause choking and malabsorption of the nutrients in the food, which may become lodged in the colon, causing peritonitis. Peritonitis is a very dangerous and life-threatening condition.

A dentist or oral surgeon can identify the symptoms of gum disease, but treatment requires seeing a periodontist. They are gum experts. If you are referred to a periodontist, or if you recognize that you may have gum disease, you should make the appointment as soon as possible. Your teeth and gums are important to your overall health. Practice good oral hygiene. Brush two to three times a day. Make flossing a natural part of your tooth brushing experience. See your dentist regularly for cleaning and check-up.

If you follow these tips, you won't have to worry about gum disease and the accompanying tooth loss, pain, and potentially serious health problems.