Gum diseases are the inflammation of gums which is due to the infection in gingival tissue and bone supporting the teeth. Gum diseases are due to the development of plaque in the mouth.
Causes of gum diseases
- Build up of plaque: Plaque is the main cause of gingivitis. If untreated it leads to periodontal diseases. Bacterial growth in the mouth on reaction with mucosa and particles on mouth leads to the development of plaque.
- Smoking: Smoking and chewing tobacco delay the healing of gum tissue.
- Changes in hormones: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty or menopause may cause gum problems. This is because during these conditions, increase in the hormonal secretions causes the blood vessels in the gum tissue to become more susceptible to bacterial growth. This leads to the development of plaque and causes gingivitis.
- Overlapping of teeth: Overlapping of teeth, crooked teeth and rotated teeth are more susceptible for formation of plaque. This is because of the reason that the gap between the teeth are clogged with debris and is difficult to clean.
- Poor nutrition: Less intake of water and poor nutrition leads to the formation of plaque. Dental diseases occur in candidates whose diet does not contain nutrients.
- Illness: Diseases like HIV, cancer and diabetes also affects gum problems. Diabetes patients are more susceptible to infections. HIV and cancer reduces immunity and are susceptible to gum diseases.
- Medication: Some medication decreases the saliva secretions that are prone to bacterial growth and in turn leads to plaque formation. Some medications like antidepressants, steroids and anticonvulsants, promote gum diseases.
- Stress: Stress is also one of the causes of gum problems.
Candidates who have a family history of gingivitis can also have gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated it may lead to the periodontal diseases where the complete gingival tissue is destructed and tooth may become loose resulting the loss of teeth.
Symptoms of gum diseases
Symptoms of gum diseases vary depending on the type of gum problems whether it is gingivitis or periodontitis.
- Symptoms of gingivitis
- Bleeding from gums while brushing
- Gums become red and swollen
- Receding gums
- Teeth appear like elongated
- Pockets between the teeth leads to the clogging of debris.
- Symptoms of periodontitis
- Bad taste in mouth
- Bad odour from mouth
- Teeth become sensitive to hot and cold
- Difficulty in eating and speaking as teeth become loose
- Formation of pus between the gum and teeth
