After the age of 35, gum disease or periodontitis is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, far more so than tooth decay. In fact, about 80 per cent of tooth loss can be ascribed to periodontal disease in this age group. A lot of time and money could be saved by early detection and treatment of the disease and many more people would keep their teeth if they were aware of this fact. Periodontal disease affects the supporting structures of the teeth, the bone, gums and ligaments.

It is a long term and slow moving disease, painless in its initial stages, but later presenting as a chronic inflammation that damages both the gums and bone holding the teeth in place. Bacterial plaque is the main culprit here, and only fastidious daily brushing and flossing can effectively remove it. When plaque is not properly removed from the teeth, the millions of bacterial organisms in it combine with some constituents of saliva to form a hard porous deposit called tartar.

Not only does the tartar cause more irritation and infection, but toxins from the bacteria destroy the supporting tissues of the teeth. As a result, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets which fill with more plaque. The pockets grow deeper as the disease progresses, plaque moves further down the roots, and more bone loss occurs. The damage may be permanent if not treated in time. The warning signs of gum disease begin with swollen, red gums that bleed easily. Ironically, many people believe that it is normal for their gums to bleed, which is most definitely not the case, as bleeding is usually a sign of underlying disease.

In the beginning stages you will not feel any discomfort or pain, which is why so many people leave treating it until it is too late. Left untreated, periodontitis causes irreversible damage, so it is vital to pay attention to the health of your gums on a daily basis, and to visit your dentist if you notice any changes. While plaque is the main cause of gum disease, there are other factors to consider, all of which affect the health of your gums, diet, smoking, and stress, diseases like leukemia and HIV or AIDS in their latter stages, pregnancy, and medication such as oral contraceptives.

Tags: Dental Conditions, Gum Disease

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