Gum Disease Info
Gum Disease Basics
The mouth is host to more than 500 species of bacteria at any given time. Most of these bacteria are "friendly" their presence is necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. But about 5% of these bacteria are potentially harmful. The starches and sugars you consume become fuel for these unfriendly bacteria, which in turn form plaque, an invisible, sticky film that can cling to teeth. Brushing can remove this plaque, but any plaque that is missed can harden under your gumline and can turn into tartar within days. Tartar binds so tightly to teeth that it can only be removed by professional cleaning. The problem with tartar is twofold: it acts as a reservoir for bacteria and makes plaque more difficult to brush away in the first place.
Persistent tartar and plaque can give rise to the first stage of gum disease: gingivitis. Gingivitis is an irritation and inflammation of the gum around the base of your teeth. In the early stages, it generally does not cause pain or discomfort. Although gum disease can be found in teenagers, most people do not experience the signs of gingivitis until their 30s or 40s. These include:
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Pus around teeth and gums
- Sensitive teeth
- Loose teeth
Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into a more severe form of gum disease called periodontitis. Gums inflamed by prolonged gingivitis can pull away from the teeth and form pockets between your gums and teeth. This gives bacteria, plaque, and tartar the opportunity to spread below the gum line and cause infection. When this occurs, bacterial toxins, and even host enzymes that have mobilized to fight the infection, can begin to break down the bone and connective tissues that hold teeth in place. In advanced stages of periodontitis, teeth become loose and have to be removed.
