Gum Disease Pictures

What is a gum disease?

A gum disease medically known as periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that keep the teeth in place. There is a variety of factors that lead to gum diseases such as poor hygiene and bacterial infection. A gum disease should be treated as soon as possible.

If it reaches the advanced stage, it could lead to sore and painful gums, which could cause you to losing your teeth. ^{(1, 2, and 3)}

What causes gum disease?

There are naturally residing bacteria in the mouth. They are good bacteria, but once their number grows out of control, it could lead to infection. Excessive bacterial growth can be caused by poor hygiene, smoking, hormonal imbalance especially in women, side effects of medication, diabetes, crooked or overlapping teeth, excessive alcohol intake, and poor nutrition. ^{(4, 5)}

Gum disease symptoms

• halitosis (bad breath) that won't go away
• swollen gums
• sensitive teeth
• bleeding gums ⁽⁴⁾
• trouble/pain when chewing
• receding gums
• the teeth appear longer
• loose teeth ⁽⁵⁾

Types of periodontal disease

• gingivitis - It is a mild form of gum disease characterized by red and swollen gums. There is also a possibility of gum bleeding.
• periodontitis - It is the advanced form of gingivitis. The gums separate from the teeth and form pockets leading to a severe infection. As the infection advances, more gum tissues are destroyed including the bones. ^{(5, 6, and 7)}

Periodontal disease treatment

How to get rid of gum disease? What is the best gum disease treatment? The type of treatment varies depending on the nature and extent of infection. Most of the treatments require the patient to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid doing things that can further aggravate the condition such as smoking. The doctor might prescribe antibiotics, pain reliever, and anti-inflammatories. The rest can be done right in the comfort of home. Gum disease treatment at home include the following:

• hydrogen peroxide - Its antibacterial property makes it effective in killing harmful microorganisms in the mouth.
• green tea - It helps reduce inflammation.
• baking soda diluted in water - It neutralizes the acid in the mouth that might cause gum disease.
• saltwater rinse - It destroys bacteria and reduces inflammation. ^{(6, 8, and 9)}

• Observe a good oral hygiene. Make it a habit to brush your teeth two to three times a day using a fluoride-rich toothpaste.
• Floss regularly.
• Visit your dentist for a routine check every six months.
• Quit smoking. ^{(1, 10)}

References

1. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
2. https://www.perio.org/consumer/types-gum-disease.html
3. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/gum-disease
4. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease#1
5. https://www.dhsv.org.au/dental-health/teeth-tips-and-facts/periodontitis
6. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gum-disease
7. https://www.medicinenet.com/gum_disease/article.htm
8. https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/talk/complications/diseases/gum_diseases.asp
9. https://www.efp.org/patients/what-is-periodontitis.html
10. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/