This type of gum disease is specifically categorized as a particular infection or bacteria buildup of the tissue that surrounds your teeth. If the patient does not brush his or her teeth twice today and floss at least once a day, the risk of getting this type of gum infection becomes extremely high. This bacteria is typically formed when food is combined with bacteria, and our own saliva hardens and forms a wall of plaque or tartar. This plaque becomes a slimy and sticky substance that adheres to teeth along the gum line. When this plaque is left untreated and not removed, it becomes harder and cements itself to the teeth. Once this happens, the tartar will slowly build under the gum line, and from this point, can only be removed by a dental professional and a deep cleaning.
The best way to know if you have extreme plaque buildup is by noticing if your gums, in general, seem redder than usual. If there is a line of yellow buildup between your teeth and gums, this is also a great sign to notice. If you have extremely bad breath, even though you may have just brushed your teeth, you may have a form of gum disease as well. The most obvious way of knowing if you have periodontal gum disease is by figuring out if your gums are inflamed. Swollen or inflamed gums will start to feel tender and can severely bleed during a gentle tooth-brushing session. Once periodontitis is climbing into an advanced stage, your swollen gums will slowly start to detach from the bacteria-filled tooth, leaving behind an empty pocket. This pocket can be infected pretty quickly by the bacteria and can cause your gum lines to detach from your teeth quicker an can result in tooth and bone loss.
There is an official phase just before you get periodontal gum disease, called gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild case of gum disease that can cause little to no discomfort. Millions of Americans have gingivitis without even knowing they do. Some symptoms of gingivitis can include bad breath, swollen gums, slight bleeding, and reddish gums. This type of gum disease always starts via a common denominator, inadequate oral hygiene. This type of gum disease is always reversible with a professional deep clean and can always be prevented by good oral hygiene. If this form of gum disease is not treated, then periodontal gum disease will follow.
6 Signs You may be at a higher risk for periodontal gum disease:
- You are an avid smoker or tobacco user
- You have diabetes
- You are going through hormonal changes
- You are going through an illness in which weakens your immune system
- You are an avid alcohol drinker
- Last but not least, good old genetics
