Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth. This disease can occur at any age and can affect one tooth or several teeth at the same time.
The main cause of gum disease is dental plaque, a sticky mass of bacteria, that constantly accumulates on the teeth surfaces. These bacteria can create toxins that lead to gum inflammation and subsequent damage to the bone surrounding the teeth.
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis can be reversed since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. If gingivitis is left untreated, the bacteria may spread to the gum tissues and bone supporting the teeth. This is known as periodontitis, or periodontal disease.
- Poor toothbrushing
- Smoking, as it affects your body’s ability to repair damaged gum tissue
- Uncontrolled diabetes, which affects blood sugar levels and the body’s response to infections
- Long-term medication such as calcium channel blockers for hypertension
- Crooked teeth with poor access for oral hygiene
- Hormonal changes
- Compromised immunity due to human immunodeficiency virus infection or cancer treatment
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily, for two minutes each time, and floss regularly
- Visit a dentist regularly for routine check-up and professional cleaning
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products
Gum disease is a chronic bacterial infection of the gums and the bone surrounding the teeth. This disease can occur at any age and can affect one tooth or several teeth at the same time.
The main cause of gum disease is dental plaque, a sticky mass of bacteria, that constantly accumulates on the teeth surfaces. These bacteria can create toxins that lead to gum inflammation and subsequent damage to the bone surrounding the teeth.
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis can be reversed since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. If gingivitis is left untreated, the bacteria may spread to the gum tissues and bone supporting the teeth. This is known as periodontitis, or periodontal disease.
- Poor toothbrushing
- Smoking, as it affects your body’s ability to repair damaged gum tissue
- Uncontrolled diabetes, which affects blood sugar levels and the body’s response to infections
- Long-term medication such as calcium channel blockers for hypertension
- Crooked teeth with poor access for oral hygiene
- Hormonal changes
- Compromised immunity due to human immunodeficiency virus infection or cancer treatment
- Brush your teeth at least twice daily, for two minutes each time, and floss regularly
- Visit a dentist regularly for routine check-up and professional cleaning
- Do not smoke or use tobacco products
