What is Gum Disease? – Definition, Keys, Treatment, and More

Gum Disease Definition

Basically, Gum disease the mouth is full of bacteria. Bacteria, along with mucus from the mouth, are constantly forming a sticky, colorless “plaque” deposited on the teeth (Biofilm).

Brushing and flossing help remove this plaque, but when neglected and the plaque did not draw correctly. It hardens and forms deposits called “tartar” or “tartar” that conventional brushing cannot remove.

Although multiple factors influence the development of gum diseases, poor dental hygiene plays a significant role.

The accumulation of tartar can give rise from the gums’ simple inflammation to severe periodontal diseases, with irreversible consequences on oral health.

What are the Keys of Gum Diseases?

1. Gingivitis

• Firstly, when tartar builds up on the gums over a long period, it can lead to gingival inflammation (inflammation of the gums). Our gums become red, sore, and bleed easily from brushing. This situation is known as gingivitis.
• Secondly, if the tartar removes in time and correct subsequent hygiene is maintained. The problem solves, and the process will be reversible.
• Lastly, this form of periodontal disease does not cause bone loss or the rest of the tissues that support the teeth.
• Periodontitis
• When gingivitis not appropriately treats, it can lead to periodontitis. In this stage of the disease, the gums retract and form pockets around the tooth.
• Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural immune response against infection begin to destroy the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in position.
• The bone, gum, and the periodontal ligament that support teeth destroy, and over time, teeth can loosen and even fall out.
• This loss of gingiva also favors dental sensitivity to cold and heat, as part of the root is exposed. At this stage of the disease, we are already facing an irreversible pathology.

2. Peri-Implantitis

• The pathologies above not only affect natural teeth. When this type of gum disease occurs on implanted pieces, with the consequent loss of bone around them, we call it peri-implantitis.

3. Gingiva Recessions

• We can also find other gum loss cases in one or more teeth, not necessarily accompanied by periodontal diseases.
• These gingiva losses can be due to an overly aggressive brushing technique, an excellent gum, or the existence of a frenulum that pulls the gum.
• In these cases, the solution will come through a gum graft, which will solve the tooth’s aesthetic and functional problem affected by gum loss.

4. Gum Disease – Prevalence

• Statistically, men are more likely than women to have gum disease. At the same time, it is rare for adolescents to develop periodontitis.
• They develop gingivitis if they neglect their dental hygiene excessively. Gum disease usually develops when plaque allows to build up along and below the gums for an extended period.

What is the Treatment of Gum Disease?

• The gingivitis primarily treated by a dental cleaning deep in the clinic and improved rear-hygiene conditions.
• Cases of periodontitis require a somewhat more complex treatment. In the first phase, the tooth root will be scraped and smoothed (also known as curettage).
• In this phase, the tartar and dental plaque deposit at the root of the tooth removal and, if necessary. And some antibiotics administer to fight the infection.
• In more advanced cases, periodontal surgeries also perform to eliminate the deeper pockets. On many occasions, bone grafts will also be necessary to restore at least part of the lost tissue.
• After the initial treatment, it will be essential to visit the clinic regularly for maintenance treatment (every 3 or 6 months) and, thus, to control periodontitis in the long term.
• It remembers that periodontal disease is a chronic disease, and as such, we must never lose sight of it.