Periodontal Disease or gum disease is an infection of the tissue or gums surrounding and supporting your teeth. This is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults worldwide.
There are a number of factors that contribute to gum disease:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tobacco use
- Genetics
- Crooked teeth
- Pregnancy
- Diabetes
- And certain medications such as steroids, certain anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs and some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives.
Gum disease starts out painless. So, you may not even know if you have it. Here are some warning signs you should look out for to find out if you have gum disease:
- Bleeding gums
- Swollen, red and tender gums
- Receding gums
- Bad breath or bad taste in mouth
- Loose teeth
- Change in your bite (how your teeth fit your bite)
- Change in fit of your dentures
Preventing gum disease is a simple as following good oral hygiene on a daily basis. Remember to brush and floss at least twice a day, eat a balanced diet, and see your dentist regularly.
