Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a progressive state in which harmful bacteria infect the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Bacteria can penetrate deep into the gum tissue, feeding on food particles and other substances present. This causes damage to the bone and soft tissue that support the teeth. Therefore, it is always good to be on the lookout for Monterey gum disease symptoms in order to seek treatment earlier.
Types of gum diseases
There are two categories of gum disease: gingivitis, in which the gums become inflamed and bleed easily, and periodontitis, in which more advanced destruction of the gum tissue takes place. Untreated periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen, fall out, or be unable to be saved by dental procedures. In addition to causing pain and infection of the gums, bacteria can enter the bloodstream, leading to other health problems.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Receding gums: As gum disease progresses, it can lead to a significant gingival recession (gums recede from where they normally sit). This can expose the roots of the teeth. If this happens, you may start noticing sensitivity or pain in your teeth when chewing or when hot or cold food comes into contact with exposed areas.
Red, swollen, and bleeding gums: Gingivitis is an early stage of periodontal disease. It can cause redness and swelling around your gums in its early stages. Eventually, you may notice that your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth. If left untreated, bleeding gums can develop into open sores on your gums.
Bad breath: The key symptom of gum disease is often a change in how your mouth smells. Two kinds of bacteria live in the mouth: Some are good, and some are bad. The ones that cause gum disease tend to produce a musty or stale-smelling odor. This odor is from the dead tissue that forms when bacteria digest the soft tissue in the mouth, causing it to decay.
Teeth that don’t line up correctly: It is also essential to monitor any changes in how your teeth fit together when biting down. If they don’t line up correctly or feel loose when chewing, this could be a sign of gum disease or early tooth loss.
Loose teeth: Gum disease usually starts with tooth sensitivity, which eventually progresses to pain and loosening of the teeth themselves. Gum disease is caused by plaque. A sticky film made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. When this plaque builds up on your teeth, the bacteria break down the sugars and starches into acids which then dissolve the minerals in your tooth enamel. The enamel becomes weakened and chipped away by acid attack until the dentin-the soft tissue that forms your teeth’s core, is exposed. This process may take years to manifest as tooth loss or even pain.
If left untreated, gum disease can damage your teeth and jawbone. Though it may seem harmless, gum disease, also called periodontal disease, can result in tooth loss and other serious health problems. If you are experiencing symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, receding gums and sores in your mouth, see your dentist at Perio & Implant Center of Monterey Bay and Silicon Valley.