Periodontal Disease or Gum Disease: Are they the same?
These are in fact the same condition. When you hear your dentist talk about either of these they are referring to an infection of the bone and soft tissues that support the teeth. If your dentist mentions gingivitis, this is the most mild or moderate form of gum disease, and it only affects soft tissues.
If you suffer from advanced gum disease then it will affect your bones. If you experience bone loss it can also lead to the loss of your teeth.
Are there any specific causes of gum disease?
Some of the factors that can contribute to your risk of gum disease include plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth, hormonal shifts, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, some prescription medications, uneven teeth and even genetics.
Call your dentist at the very first sign of bleeding gums as this can indicate both gingivitis and advanced gum disease. Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, great oral hygiene every day is a must - to disrupt the bacteria.
If it is left too long, your body will try to rid itself of undisturbed bacteria by sending more blood to your gums. The excess blood may cause swelling, soreness, bleeding and redness. Your body thinks it has an infection - this is called gingivitis, and it won't heal until the source of the infection is eliminated.
Bacteria can be found in plaque, tartar or calculus, pockets beneath the gums (in cases of advanced gum disease), cavities, abscesses and chipped teeth. Old dental work can also provide the ideal surfaces for plaque to stick to.
Are there any ways to avoid the development of gum disease?
The only surefire way to avoid developing gum disease is to brush twice daily, floss before bedtime and visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
None of the above-listed factors alone can cause gum disease to develop and thrive. By staying consistent with your oral hygiene routine you can help stop plaque from building up.
For example, while you may be prone to plaque buildup (perhaps due to genetics), as long as you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and visit your dentist as prescribed for regular professional cleanings and checkups, chances are that gum disease will not be able to fully develop.
Whether a pregnancy causes a hormonal shift, you take prescription medication or are a regular smoker, the most common cause of gum disease is the unimpeded development of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.
Most of the time, gum disease can be easily prevented with a good oral hygiene routine. While the issues listed above can increase your risk (and make prevention more challenging), whether it actually develops comes down to the decisions you make every day about your oral health practices.