Gum disease
Gums play an important role in how your mouth functions. Yet gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is a common issue facing many adults.
On this page
About gum disease
When they are healthy, gums are:
- firm
- free from inflammation
- pink in colour (not red)
- resistant to bleeding during brushing and flossing
Gum disease causes inflammation of the gums, bones and tissues that surround and support teeth. Gum disease can be hard to recognize in its early stages, as it develops slowly without any real pain.
Both forms of gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) can be influenced by several factors, such as:
- smoking
- diabetes
- HIV infections
- certain medications
- hormonal changes (pregnancy)
Prevention of gum disease begins at home with regular tooth brushing and flossing. If you think you have any of the signs and symptoms for either disease, see an oral health professional immediately.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a condition characterized by gum inflammation. It is an early and mild form of gum disease.
Causes
Plaque build-up near the gums is the most common cause of gingivitis. Bacteria in the plaque consume sugars from the foods you eat and produce byproducts and toxins that can cause the gums to become inflamed and swollen.
To reduce the risk of gingivitis, remove plaque fully by brushing and flossing properly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- pain in the gum area
- persistent bad breath
- red and swollen (puffy) gums
- blood on your toothbrush or floss
Prevention and risks
Maintaining good oral hygiene can help prevent or reverse gingivitis.
Plaque is soft and can be removed by cleaning the teeth and gums with brushing and flossing. If not removed, plaque can accumulate minerals and harden into tartar (calculus).
Tartar can spread below the gum line and can be safely treated by an oral health professional with the use of manual scaling tools or an ultrasonic device. Without treatment, inflammation can persist and may spread from gums to other tissues such as the bone that anchors teeth in place. This may result in gingivitis progressing into periodontitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease. It affects the bone and gums that support and keep the teeth in place. The gums also provide a biologic seal around teeth, separating your oral environment from the rest of your body.
Causes
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by an immune response to the bacteria in dental plaque. It can lead to weakened gums and ultimately tooth loss.
Over time, the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down. Gums can pull away from the teeth, bone loss can occur and periodontal pockets (deep spaces between the teeth and gums) can form. As periodontitis progresses, these pockets can deepen further, and more gums and bone are broken down beneath the pockets. The destruction of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth in place eventually may cause the teeth to loosen and fall out.
Symptoms
The common symptoms of periodontitis include:
- sore gums
- loose teeth
- persistent bad breath
- bleeding (can be spontaneous)
- pus or a bad taste from your gums
- gums that appear to be pulling away from your teeth
Prevention and risks
It is not usually possible to reverse the damage caused by periodontitis. However, there are ways to prevent it before it occurs, including practising good oral hygiene at home and having regular dental cleanings and checkups.
Page details
- Date modified: