Gum disease is an oral condition often caused by poor oral hygiene, genetic predispositions or medical illness. It manifests itself with swollen gums and inflammation of the oral tissues. If left untreated, it can lead to premature tooth loss, medical complications and infections of several organs within the body.

The Causes of Gum Disease

Several factors can affect the health of the gums and teeth. The most common reasons are as follow:

1. Poor Oral Hygiene – It is the leading cause for gum disease. Improper oral habits, along with sporadic care at home and lack of professional cleanings, result in excessive amounts of plaque and tartar accumulations and harboring of bacteria.

2. Poor Nutrition – Diets high in carbohydrates and sugar accelerate the microbial formations in the mouth often affecting the health of the gums as well as the tooth structure and may lead to rampant decay.

3. Medications – Medically compromised patients are frequently administered drugs that produce several side effects including deterioration of the positive oral flora. 

4. Hormonal Changes – Puberty, pregnancy and menopause have been recognized as great contributors to oral disease.

5. Lifestyle – Many habits, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, compromise the oral health and prevent any soft tissues from healing properly.

6. Dental Discrepancies – Teeth that are crooked, misaligned or overlapping provide extra crevices for the bacteria to accumulate affecting the surrounding gum tissue in the process.

7. Medical Conditions – Patients who are stricken with an illness, such as cancer or diabetes, often experience decline in the efficiency of the immune system and are more susceptible to gum disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

As the gum disease progresses, many obvious symptoms appear along with the increased discomfort of the mouth. The following are the most common signs of early and late stages of gum disease:

1. Red and swollen gums
2. Bad breath (halitosis)
3. The gum tissue is separating from the tooth structure
4. White lesions on the soft tissues
5. Pus secreting from the gums
6. Gums may be shrinking exposing the root surfaces
7. Teeth become mobile
8. Deep pockets develop in interproximal areas forming inflated chambers
9. Ulcerated sores appear in different areas of the oral cavity

Regular dental exams, evaluations and prophylactic cleanings are imperative to maintain good oral health. Routinely scheduled appointments allow the dentist and the dental hygienist to detect any suspicious conditions early and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.