Dental Disease

Dental disease, or gum disease, is a bacterial infection of the gums, ligaments and bone that support the teeth and anchor them in the jaw. The bacterium, which acts mainly on certain carbohydrates in our diets, are normal inhabitants of the mouth, living in a thin film called plaque. If this plaque is left undisturbed, it may eventually harden into tartar, a hard mineral shell. When plaque builds on the tartar surface, it irritates and erodes healthy gum tissue. This early stage of dental/periodontal disease is called gingivitis. If left untreated, pockets begin to form between the teeth and gum tissues. When the supporting bone becomes badly eroded, tooth loss can result. This stage is called periodontitis. 
There are several types of periodontal disease, all initiated by a bacterial infection that destroys the gums, bone, and ligaments supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease progresses silently in the initial stages, often without pain or overt symptoms that would alert you to its presence. It may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly. 
The stages of Periodontal Disease are as follows:

Gingivitis is the earliest stage, and affects only the gum tissue. At this stage, the disease is still reversible. However, if left untreated, it may lead to a more severe condition. 
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage of periodontal diseases. The gums, bone, and other structures supporting the teeth become damaged. Teeth can become loose and fall out or may have to be removed. At this stage, the disease requires more complex treatment to prevent tooth loss. 
Advanced Periodontitis: In this stage the gums recede further and separate. Pus develops and bone loss continues as a result of which teeth may loosen or fall out.

Almost, 75 % of adults over the age of 35 show signs and symptoms of periodontal disease. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults as it occurs at an age when cavities are usually a thing of the past, and the initial symptoms are so slight, that they often go unnoticed.

• Bleeding from gums while brushing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums 
•  Detachment of the gums from the teeth 
•  Pus that appears from the gum line when the gums are pressed 
• A metallic taste in the mouth 
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way the teeth fit together while eating or a change in the fit of partial dentures
  

The following preventive measures can be exercised so as to avoid periodontal disease:

Periodontal disease is caused mainly by the accumulation of bacteria (plaque) on the teeth and surrounding structures as a result of poor or inadequate dental hygiene. The destructive toxins and enzymes produced by these bacteria cause the gum tissues to detach and separate from the tooth, thereby forming a space called periodontal pockets. Bacterial plaque continues to collect in these pockets, causing them to deepen and destroy the underlying supporting tissues.

Bruxism or clenching of teeth can also result in periodontal ailment. When we squeeze our teeth, most of us squeeze on back teeth. This shoves teeth to one side or the other and makes the tooth socket larger. When the tooth socket is enlarged, it is subject to infection. Long-term infection will destroy bone (causing a bony pocket) and cause the tooth to develop a gum abscess. It can progress to a stage where the damage to the teeth is irreversible.

People with diabetes have a higher than normal risk of periodontal diseases. Like any infection, gum disease can make it hard to keep the blood sugar under control.

Medications such as those for blood pressure, calcium channel blockers can also affect a person's gums.

Furthermore, the periodontium can also be affected by hormonal changes, such as those associated with menopause, puberty and pregnancy.

The microbes that cause periodontal disease can be passed within families via saliva.

Periodontal disease can easily be detected by the periodontist during regular dental examinations. Therefore, regular checkups, ideally every six months for most people, are crucial in catching periodontal disease in its early reversible stages.

During the checkup, the color and firmness of the gums are evaluated. Teeth are tested for tightness, and the way they fit together while biting. Gum pocket depths may also be measured.

X-ray: to evaluate the bone supporting the teeth.

Dental caries, an oral infectious disease, results when organic acids, produced by the action of oral micro-organisms in dental plaque. Foods are often categorized according to their cariogenicity or caries-promoting properties.

Healthy gums require good oral hygiene. Regular professional dental care and daily brushing and flossing will help to prevent periodontal disease.

Do not think too much about the pain and the condition, since it can have an adverse affect on the condition itself.