{"id":20762,"date":"2022-06-15T20:44:04","date_gmt":"2022-06-15T15:14:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/royalimplant.com\/blogs\/?p=20762"},"modified":"2026-08-03T13:20:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T07:50:07","slug":"what-is-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/royalimplant.com\/blogs\/what-is-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Gum Disease? Symptoms, Stages, Causes and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is gum disease? If you\u2019re reading this, chances are you are a human being who likes to eat food. Food is delicious and we cannot go long without eating it. Unfortunately, the more time we spend eating, the greater our risk of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease<\/a>. These diseases that affect our mouths and have been linked to various other problems in the body, such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. If you\u2019re thinking this sounds serious or perhaps even gross, you\u2019d be right on both counts! Fortunately, there are simple things we can do to prevent these diseases from developing further. With that in mind, here is what you need to know about gum bleeding and diseases so you can keep your smile strong for life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Call Now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Who is this article for?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This article is for patients experiencing bleeding, swollen or receding gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth or discomfort while chewing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Gum Disease?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue caused most commonly by bacterial infections. The gum tissue is naturally soft and pink, and is held to the teeth by connective tissue. Inflammation may be followed by bleeding. When inflammation causes this tissue to become weak, it can easily be damaged, allowing bacteria to get inside and cause even more damage. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Dentist Asking yourself, “What is pyorrhoea?” Periodontitis, or pyorrhea, is a prevalent gum disease that required treatment of gums.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Gum disease is twofold; Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gums, and periodontitis is the destruction of the supporting tissues that hold the teeth in place. The two diseases can be treated independently, but the prognosis is worse if both are left untreated. If symptoms are left untreated, the infection can spread to the rest of the body. If left untreated, it can lead to teeth falling<\/a> out or being pulled because they are too loose. It can also cause serious infections in the heart, lungs, and other organs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis and Periodontitis: What Is the Difference?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. It is strongly associated with the accumulation of dental plaque along and below the gumline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gingivitis<\/strong> is the earliest and mildest stage. It may cause red, swollen or bleeding gums, but it does not involve permanent loss of the supporting bone. Gingivitis can often be reversed with professional cleaning and effective daily plaque control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontitis<\/strong> is a more advanced form of gum disease. The gums may separate from the teeth and form periodontal pockets where plaque and bacteria accumulate. Over time, inflammation can damage the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, tooth movement, changes in the bite and eventual tooth loss if it is not controlled. Unlike gingivitis, the bone and attachment already lost through periodontitis do not normally return through brushing alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bleeding gums should not automatically be blamed on brushing too hard. Repeated bleeding often indicates inflammation and should be assessed. Periodontitis is not diagnosed by routinely removing a sample of gum tissue. Dentists usually diagnose it through clinical examination, periodontal measurements and dental X-rays where required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Red, swollen or tender gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Persistent bad breath<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Gum recession<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Teeth appearing longer<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Pus between a tooth and gum<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Food repeatedly getting trapped<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Loose or shifting teeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. New spaces developing between teeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Pain or discomfort while chewing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  11. A change in the way the teeth meet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  12. Partial dentures no longer fitting correctly<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How Is Gum Disease Diagnosed?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The dentist or periodontist may use a periodontal probe to measure the space between the gum and tooth. Healthy gum spaces are generally shallow, whereas deeper pockets may indicate loss of attachment. The severity of periodontitis may be described using a staging and grading system that considers tissue destruction, complexity and the likely rate of progression. The examination may also assess:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    1. Gum bleeding<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Plaque and tartar levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Gum recession<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Tooth mobility<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    5. Pus or inflammation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    6. Bite changes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    7. Bone levels on dental X-rays<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      How Is Gum Disease Treated?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Treatment depends on whether the patient has gingivitis or periodontitis and on the severity and location of the disease. Gingivitis may improve with professional cleaning and better brushing and interdental cleaning. Periodontitis may require\u00a0scaling and root planing<\/strong>, which is a deep-cleaning procedure performed below the gum line to remove deposits and contaminated material from root surfaces. Treatment does not end after deep cleaning or surgery. Periodontal-maintenance visits are important because periodontitis can become active again. Advanced gum disease may require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • Periodontal surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Regenerative procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Gum grafting<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Management of tooth mobility<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Bite adjustment in selected cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Removal of teeth with a hopeless prognosis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Replacement of missing teeth after disease control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        How do you know if you have Gum Disease?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        If you visit your dentist and they notice signs of gum disease, they can easily and painlessly perform a simple test to check if you have it. This involves gently lifting the edges of your gum and looking for sores or redness in the tissue. They may also take a small sample of the gum tissue to examine it in a lab. However, if you experience any of the below listed symptoms, it\u2019s a good idea to see a dentist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        It\u2019s important to keep in mind that not all of these symptoms are exclusive to gum disease; they could also be a symptom of something else!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Gum Bleeding while brushing or flossing<\/strong> – This can be caused by the soft tissue being irritated or cut by your toothbrush. Remember to use a soft-bristled toothbrush to prevent this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        Gum Treatment gum recession<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        \"gummy
        gummy smile gums exposed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
        \"gum
        Laser Gum Surgery Costs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        Swelling or redness of the gum tissue<\/strong> – This is a sign that bacterial infection has reached the gum tissue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Changes in the colour of your gums<\/strong> – This can be a sign that tissues below the gum line are becoming inflamed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Changes in the texture of your gums –<\/strong> This can be a sign that the tissues below the gum line are becoming infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Pus or bad breath – <\/strong>This can be a sign that gum disease is present. This is caused by bacteria releasing a foul-smelling gas called \u201cputrescine\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Risk factors for gum disease<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Lack of sleep <\/strong>– This can impair the immune system and lead to an increase in inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Poor diet –<\/strong> This can cause an increase in the levels of bacteria in the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Poor oral hygiene – <\/strong>This can lead to an increase in bacteria in the mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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