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Three out of four adults have some form of gum disease. Yet, less than fifty percent visits a dentist for annual check-up. Gum disease could be either gingivitis or periodontitis. Gingivitis is inflamation of the gingival which, if not treated, would lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis destroys the surrounding tissues and the underlying bone structure of a tooth, which will cause unnecessary early tooth loss. However, depending on the severity and stages of the disease, not all form of gum disease will lead to tooth loss, provided early treatment is delivered.
The nature of gum disease is episodic and chronic. Episodic means the disease will cause destruction to bone support and tissue one day and then remain inactive another. As time progresses without treatment the condition becomes chronic, which would lead to unnecessary tooth loss. Thus, early detection is the most important preventive tool.
Most adults are not aware that they have gum disease because they experience "no pain." This is a misconception. By the time they experience pain, it may be too late for the dentist to help save the tooth. There are signs that may serve as road map to help one self diagnose if one has gum disease. However, only a dentist could determine which form and stage of the disease a patient has and the severity of it. Signs of gum disease include the followings: bleeding when flossing or brushing, halitosis (bad breath), redness of the gum. Another misconception that is often said is "I brush and floss too hard that's why my gum bleeds sometimes." Healthy gum does not bleed. One has to use a brush made of metal bristles to have healthy gum bleeds.
Recent studies have shown systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and low-term birth weight in pregnant woman, are linked to gum disease. The oral cavity is the window to one's overall health. Gum disease is the most preventable disease, yet three in four adults have it. Preventing gum disease now will prevent unnecessary surgery and expensive treatments down the road. Consult your dentist today for healthy confident smile.
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