It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs- Gum diesease and what you need to know!

Emobileclinic Trending Topic : Gum Disease

Bacteria are the leading cause of mouth infection, this occurs mostly when the inner part of the mouth gets hurt. This is known as an abscess. The abscess forms a barrier around the infection. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Gum disease is usually painless, so you may not know you have it many atimes. 

There are two types of abscesses: periodontal and periapical 

A gum abscess:  It is also called periodontal abscess usually is caused by an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. The infection may occur after food gets trapped between the gum and tooth. In people with severe periodontal disease, bacteria can build up under the gum and in the bone.

A tooth-related abscess also called a periapical abscess) occurs inside the tooth. This happens when the tooth’s nerve is dead or dying. This type of abscess shows up at the tip of the tooth’s root. Then it spreads to the surrounding bone.

Most abscesses are painful, so people usually seek treatment right away. Sometimes the infection causes little or no pain. If an abscess is not treated, the infection can last for months or even years. It will not go away on its own, so it’s important not to ignore the symptoms. If the infection is not treated, it can damage the surrounding bone and teeth. A hollow tunnel sometimes forms through the bone and skin to allow pus to drain. This tunnel is called a fistula or “sinus tract.” You might see or feel this opening inside your mouth. It looks like a pimple. If you have pus draining through a fistula, you might notice a strange taste in your mouth.

The buildup of pressure causes the pain of an abscess. Draining the abscess through a fistula reduces the pressure. The pain will disappear. However, the infection still needs to be treated. Sometimes, an abscess that isn’t treated can form a fluid-filled bubble (cyst) in the jaw bone. If the tooth is severely broken down and can’t be saved, the cyst may come out when the tooth is extracted. If the tooth can be saved, you will need a root canal to remove the infected nerve. If this treatment does not heal the cyst, you may need surgery to remove it.

In rare cases, the infection that causes an abscess may spread and lead to serious health problems.

Symptoms of Gum Disease:

Frequent and easy bleeding

Red, swollen, tender that have pulled away from the teeth 

Persistent bad breath or bad taste, permanent teeth that are loose or separating any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite any change in the fit of partial dentures

Some factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease are as follows:

Poor oral hygiene, smoking or chewing tobacco, genetics, crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean, pregnancy, diabetes medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. 

Chronic periodontitis can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone and may occur in some areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.

It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important.

First Aid Management

Abscesses are always serious because the infection may spread to other parts of the body. If you can see or feel a pimple-like swelling on your gum, rinse your mouth several times a day with a mild salt-water solution. Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water. This may help draw the pus out and relieve pressure. Even if the rinse seems to help, you still need to see your dentist as soon as possible.

Treatment

The affect part should be cleaned thoroughly.

The trapped pus should be allowed to escape.

The infection should be treated.

However, if a fistula has formed, the dentist will trace it back to the source of the infection by inserting a flexible, thin piece of material into the fistula. Immediately the dentist cleans out the infection, the fistula will naturally close on its own. If the infection started inside a tooth, your dentist will make a small hole in the tooth to drain the abscess. People with severe periodontal disease may have abscesses. Draining them helps the immediate problem. However, the periodontal disease needs to be treated to prevent another infection.

The effective treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and the extent of the condition . Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.