Gum Disease Silent Disease Of the Mouth

By Tarek Mogharbel, DDS

The silent disease of the mouth is gum disease.

Gum disease is swelling or soreness of the gums (the soft tissue) around your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque; a sticky, colorless film that forms on your teeth. The plaque bacteria produce toxins that inflame the gums.

If you do not remove the plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, it can build up and infect your gums, teeth and the bone that supports them. If not treated by a dentist, you can lose your teeth, and have other serious problems, as a result.

The signs of gum disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. And, like most health problems, the earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat. That's why it's so important to see your dentist regularly.

Gingivitis

This is the first stage of gum disease. Your gums may feel tender, or mildly sore, and you may see some bleeding when you brush or floss. The American Academy of Periodontology considers gingivitis a mild periodontal disease. Gingivitis can be reversed by having a dentist or hygienist clean your teeth and with proper brushing and flossing at home.

Periodontitis

If your gums are a little tender and sore, or you see some bleeding when you brush, you have gingivitis. At this stage, if the problem is not corrected, plaque spreads to your tooth roots causing an infection, which can damage the bone fibers that hold your teeth in place. Your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth. Proper dental care and better home care can help stop more damage.

Advanced Periodontitis

In this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone holding your teeth in place are destroyed. This can cause your teeth to shift or loosen and can affect your bite. If treatment can't save your teeth, they may need to be removed.

To find out if you have gum disease, your dentist or hygienist needs to check your teeth and gums. Since early gum disease can be reversed, it's important to see your dentist or hygienist if you see any of the following

Gums that bleed or are red, puffy, swollen or sore

Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

Pus that appears between your teeth and gums

Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

Your oral health care provider can tell you for sure if you have gum disease. That's why it's so important to have regular dental check-ups.