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Periodontal Disease (PD) does not usually show up until people are in their 30s. Certainly the milder form, gingivitis, can occur even in teenagers who don’t do much brushing, or who have braces that trap and harbor the plaque and food particles.
Periodontal Disease is a silent disease – it doesn’t hurt until it is in an advanced stage. But there are ways to detect it. My favorite is to visit the dentist for check-up and periodontal evaluation. Ways that you may detect it at home are:
* Gums that are red and/or swollen and tender
* Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
* Spaces opening up between your teeth – as if they were moving
* Loose teeth
* Breath that no longer feels fresh – you constantly want to rinse with a mouthwash
* Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
* Pus between the gums and teeth
* Your bite no longer feels solid – you feel as though your bite has changed
Any or all of these indicate some level of gum inflammation/infection. Don’t delay in calling for a dental evaluation, because it won’t get better on its own.
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by the prolonged presence of plaque and tartar on the teeth. The gums become red, puffy and swollen. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can be reversed with professional dental cleanings by our hygienist and daily brushing and flossing. The gums may bleed during the cleaning and initially when flossing. Gingivitis can be reversed (the inflammation eliminated) because it does not involve bone loss or gum recession.
When the gums are not treated (the person may be brushing but not flossing) the inflammation increases to a point in becomes periodontitis. Here, the plaque builds up below the gums forming pockets. The body’s natural immune system creates enzymes that fight the bacterial toxins within the pockets, but mechanical removal of the plaque and tartar are essential. Left untreated, with time the pockets become deeper, bone loss around the teeth occurs, and the gums recede. Sooner or later the teeth become loose.
