Chicago Dentist - Gum Disease and Dental Health

Gum Disease and Dental Health

You visit your dental care professional because your gums are tender, and you see blood when you brush your teeth. After a thorough exam, he gives you the bad news: You have gum disease. But what exactly does that mean, and what kind of gum disease do you have?

Gum disease is also called Periodontal Disease, which is a term that encompasses all gum disease. This includes gingivitis and periodontitis. Gum disease is actually an infection – or at least it starts out that way. It leads to the loss of teeth, and even bone. When you have gum disease, the teeth are not necessarily affected, other than the potential for loss. It is the gum and the bone that is affected the most. It all starts with the plaque that builds up on your teeth, which is chock full of bacteria, which causes the infection.

Periodontitis is the most serious of these two gum diseases, and it stems from gingivitis that has been left untreated – or under treated. With gingivitis, the gum turns red and swells, and you may notice bleeding with pressure is applied to the gums, or when you brush your teeth. Gingivitis can usually be cleared right up with a dental cleaning, improved oral hygiene, and possibly with the use of antibiotics. Again, if left untreated, it turns to periodontitis.

Periodontitis, as mentioned, is much more serious. When periodontitis exists, the gums and bone are being destroyed. There are several different types of periodontitis. This includes chronic periodontitis, where the periodontitis comes back over and over again, slowly progressing; aggressive periodontitis, which is the same as chronic periodontitis but with faster destruction of the bone and gums, necrotizing periodontitis, which is often associated with HIV, malnutrition, and immunological problems and periodontitis which is actually a symptom of another underlying health problem.

As stated, the best way to avoid any of these dental problems is to have twice yearly checkups and professional cleanings, and to practice good and thorough oral hygiene daily.

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