How Gum Disease Forms
Periodontal infection begins with plaque buildup along the gum line. This clear, filmy substance attaches to the gum tissue is constantly forming bacteria in colonies. These colonies multiply and infect your gums, causing periodontal disease. Plaque buildup is most commonly caused by incomplete oral hygiene that misses these colonies of bacteria.
The Beginning Signs of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. In this phase, the most common symptoms include gums that bleed easily (especially while brushing), inflamed or deep red gums, and consistently foul taste or bad breath. While these are the most common signs, sometimes gingivitis will not present all or any of these symptoms. This is why dental checkups and preventive dentistry is vital to maintaining optimal oral health.
Periodontal Pockets and Gum Recession
As gum disease progresses, the infection will produce pockets between your teeth and gums, called periodontal pockets. These pockets in your gum tissue hold a cesspool of plaque and bacteria. The infection causes the gums to separate from the teeth, causing gum recession. This side-effect of gum disease can cause symptoms of tooth sensitivity, because of the exposed tooth root.
Periodontitis and Later Stages of Gum Disease
Without treatment, gum disease will progress to more serious and sometimes irreversible damage to your oral health. Periodontitis, or severe gum disease, will show more amplified symptoms of gum recession as the infection grows. Where your jawbone connects to the tooth root will also come under attack from bacteria, causing jawbone deterioration. In combination with gum recession, jawbone damage may lead to tooth loss, because the connective tissues holding the teeth inside your mouth have been destroyed by periodontal disease. This is why gum disease is a major cause of adult tooth loss.
More Gum Disease Information
If you would like to avoid these devastating effects of gum disease, Dr. Alex Denes and Dr. Claudia Denes, our Fresno dentists, offer periodontal care to help you keep the disease from spreading. Stay tuned next week to learn about the health conditions in connection with gum disease, and what you can do to fight back.
Call Fresno Dental Studio in Fresno, California at (559) 297-1800. We serve patients from Fresno, Clovis, Mendota, Orange Cove, Reedley, Selma, and the surrounding areas.