According to the CDC, about 46% of all adults over 30 years old have some form of gum disease. About 9% have severe gum disease. Gum disease is called periodontitis when it becomes more serious. Gum disease starts out with mild symptoms. Unfortunately, gum disease tends to be a “silent” disease, meaning symptoms do not become noticeable until it becomes more serious. It’s caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth, leading to the bacteria from plaque and tartar infecting the gums. It should be treated because it can result in bone loss in the jaw. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen and is a leading cause of tooth loss.
Warning signs
Because it is most noticeable when it becomes much worse, you should look for early warning signs of periodontitis. Because they can be subtle, look for early onset of the following:
- Sensitivity of the gums, especially newly-developed sensitivity. A sign of this is the gums feeling tender when touched.
- Gums bleeding easily, especially when brushing, flossing, or eating crunchy food. You might notice this via a pinkish tinge on your toothbrush bristles, or some blood in the saliva after brushing or flossing.
- Bright red, puffy, purplish/red, or dark red gums.
- Bad breath.
- Pus between the teeth or in the gums.
- Chewing is painful.
- Loose teeth or tooth loss.
- Receding gums (the gumline pulling away from the teeth).
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
- New spaces forming between the teeth.
Stages of gum disease
Typically, periodontitis starts as gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. The disease then follows several steps as it becomes worse and worse, eventually leading to bone or tooth loss.
Stage 1: Gingivitis
This is the only stage of periodontal disease where it can be reversed. Gingivitis can be reversed because it hasn’t attacked the bone yet. An early warning sign is bleeding gums and sensitivity.
This stage can be treated/reversed with a good oral hygiene plan as well as regular dental exams/cleanings.
Stage 2: Mild periodontal disease
At this stage the infection has spread to the bone, and it is no longer reversible. However, by meeting with a periodontal team, the infection can at least be manageable. Scaling and root planing can be used to give the gums and roots of the teeth a deep cleaning, removing deeply-set pockets of periodontal bacteria. Scaling is when the dentist uses a hook-like device called a scaler or scaler pick to go beneath the gumline and scrape out pockets of plaque. Root planing is the whole process for cleaning below the gumline, of which scaling is one part. Other tools may be used, and it may require anesthesia. The process will vary from patient to patient, and according to the severity of the disease.
Stage 3: Moderate periodontal disease
At this stage the infection has gone deeper into the gums/bone and requires more specialized treatment. It may require scaling and root planing, or even oral surgery. Although the damage to the bone is not reversible, the deep gums and roots of the tooth below the gumline can be cleaned with proper treatment.
Stage 4: Advanced periodontal disease
This stage will most likely require periodontal surgery. If you don’t treat it, it will cause spacing of the teeth, severe tooth loss, gum recession, and bone loss in the mouth and jaw.
Can periodontal bacteria and gingivitis be spread from person to person?
Gum disease is primarily the result of poor oral hygiene. Lack of a regular brushing and flossing routine and not visiting a dentist can result in plaque/tartar build-up, also known as dental calculus. This results in bigger problems down the road, like gingivitis and periodontitis. But can this type of bacteria be spread from person to person? Is periodontal bacteria contagious?
Gingivitis-causing bacteria can be spread from person to person by sharing food and drinks and by kissing. However, it won’t cause an infection when it’s spread unless other factors are present. These factors are the same that are required for gingivitis/periodontitis the become established in the first place.
Factors that help gum disease take hold
- Bad oral hygiene. Again, regular brushing, flossing, and dental exams/cleanings are the best way to avoid this.
- Smoking and chewing tobacco. Tobacco weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to fight infection, and often makes the mouth dryer, which is another infection risk.
- Dry mouth. Saliva is one of the main ways that the mouth flushes out debris and bacteria, and a lack of it will let that bacteria accumulate and increase the risk of infection.
- Medical conditions can also cause gum disease. Diabetes, certain viruses, and fungal infections can be large risks for gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Some medications may also weaken the gums, cause bleeding, and increase the risk of infection, especially if dry mouth is a side-effect.
- Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy and the menstrual cycle can cause bleeding of the gums and gingivitis.
Gingivitis, leading to periodontitis may be contagious through kissing, but you will manage to avoid it if the factors listed above don’t apply to you.
Keep your teeth bright and your gums healthy
If you have noticed some new sensitivity, swelling, inflammation, or bleeding in your gums, you may be at risk of gum disease. If so, don’t hesitate to schedule a dental appointment. If you happen to be in the Carrollton Texas area, come pay us a visit at Josey Lane Dentistry. We are a full-service family dental office, with nearly two decades of experience. If you aren’t sure if you should set up an appointment, feel free to drop us a line and we will be happy to advise you.
Emergency
Patient Forms
Contact Us