According to the American Dental Association (ADA), gum disease or periodontal disease is a major infection of oral tissue that surrounds the teeth and can lead to the destruction of tissue and bone that support dental structure. The ADA also specifies that an important cause of adult tooth loss is gum disease. It is estimated that three out of four adults older than 35 years have periodontal disease. Gum disease is serious, because dental health status can affect general health.
Signs & Symptoms
Gum infections often go unnoticed, because symptoms may not be painful until later stages. The ADA provides the following warning signs of gum disease that should be acted upon immediately: red, swollen or tender gums (or other pain in your mouth), bleeding when brushing or flossing (or when eating hard food), gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth, and loose teeth or teeth that are separating from gums. Other signs include pus between the teeth and gums, mouth sores, constant bad breath or a change in teeth "bite" when the teeth come together (for partial dentures, a change in the way they fit).
Early Gingivitis
Periodontal or gum disease begins with gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gum tissue caused by bacteria in plaque (film that covers teeth). The bacteria produce toxins that irritate and inflame the gums. This is the cause of red, tender and swollen gums that bleed and can cause halitosis (bad breath). Additionally, estimates are that over 90 percent of the adult population has varying degrees of gingivitis.
According to the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), gingivitis typically is the result of poor dental hygiene habits, such as poor brushing and flossing. This can be reversed by proper brushing and flossing. If this is not done, the plaque will harden and become what is known as tartar. This early phase of gum disease is the only one in which damage can be reversed, for the progression of this disease past gingivitis goes beyond what can be repaired. Thus, gingivitis is a major and early form of gum disease where healthy change still is possible.
Severe Gingivitis
According to the Mayo Clinic, trench mouth, also known as Vincent's stomatitis and necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, is a major or advanced type of gingivitis, with painful bleeding gums and ulcers. Trench mouth is named for World War I soldiers in the trenches who did not have proper oral hygiene resources. It is critical that gingivitis be recognized and treated, to prevent progression of periodontal disease with tooth and bone loss.
