Toothaches and gum infections are symptoms of advanced periodontal disease–a disease that afflicts the area around the tooth. According to Columbia University, the two most common diseases that impair your oral health are tooth decay and gum disease. However, if you've reached a stage at which toothaches and infected gums are common, you may well be at a point at which prevention is no longer possible.
Bacteria, Plaque and Tartar
The problem begins with the bacteria in your mouth that help break down foods, especially sugars and starches, says the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Plaque, a sticky film comprised of food particles, saliva and bacteria, coats your teeth and gums. It begins to form within 20 minutes every time you eat something. If not removed with routine tooth brushings, plaque can harden and calcify into tartar under the gums–and this is the beginning of painful tooth decay and gum disease.
Cavities and Gingivitis
Plaque eventually eats away at the enamel in your teeth, causing dental caries, more commonly known as cavities. The NIH indicates that cavities may be painless at first, but as they grow in size, they can affect the nerves in the tooth and even cause your teeth to fracture. Abscesses can form. Gingivitis is also caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar and is the mildest type of gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). Your gums become inflamed, red and bleed easily, but it may not cause you much discomfort. Professional dental technicians can treat and reverse cavities and gingivitis, but good oral hygiene is a requirement to maintain good oral health.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is simply gingivitis that goes untreated. Plaque builds up underneath the gum line, explains the AAP. Bacteria produce toxins that cause chronic inflammation, and in time, the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place are damaged. In cases of advanced gum disease, your gums separate from the teeth, creating noticeable gaps that are susceptible to infection. The pockets and gaps progressively get worse; eventually teeth may loosen and require dental extraction. Surgical treatments, including bone and tissue grafts, may be required to remedy advanced periodontitis.
Risk Factors
You may not notice symptoms of periodontal disease until you reach your 30s or 40s, says the National institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), which goes on to state that more men than women have gum disease. Gingivitis is common in teens. Other factors put you at risk, including a family history of periodontal disease. Smoking, diabetes, hormonal fluctuations in females, the use of certain medications and illnesses such as cancer or AIDS can also put you more at risk.
Prevention
Lower your risk for tooth decay and gum disease by exercising good oral hygiene. The NIDCR stresses the importance of brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and using dental floss at least once a day. Eat a nutritious diet, stop smoking and see your dentist for regular exams and professional teeth cleanings.
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