Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky substance that contains bacteria.
Some bacteria in plaque are harmless, but some are harmful to the health of your gums.
If you do not remove plaque from your teeth by brushing them, it builds up and irritates your gums. This can lead to redness with bleeding, swelling and soreness.
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. The three stages of gum disease — from least to most severe — are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.
Gingivitis (gum inflammation) usually precedes periodontitis (gum disease).
However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.
In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causing the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during toothbrushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets.
No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets.
These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected.
The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. When this happens, teeth are no longer anchored in place, they become loose, and tooth loss occurs
Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease. These include:
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Always schedule a visit to your dentist the moment you notice irregularities in your oral health.
At Manhattan Dental Care, we can employ a variety of tactics to fight gum disease, including deep cleaning and preventive care.
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