BODY SIGNAL ALERT GUM PAIN, BLEEDING, RED, SWOLLEN GUMS, RECEDING GUM LINE: DESCRIPTION AND POSSIBLE MEDICAL PROBLEMS
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You can be sure that one thing most adults have in common by midlife is some form of periodontal disease or gum recession. Periodontal disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults 40 and older. Gum disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on the tooth. Plaque damages the tooth by eating away at the enamel and the underlying structure of the tooth. It affects the gums by building up at the gum line and aggravating the tissue, making them hurt and bleed easily. When this occurs, you have gingivitis. If the plaque is not removed regularly with brushing and flossing, gingivitis will progress into periodontitis, in which the plaque hatdens into calculus, forming pockets between the tooth and gum. Bacteria can then accumulate in the pocket and cause an infection. The infection may spread to the underlying bone, which can loosen the teeth even more.
To find out what type of periodontal disease you have, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Do my gums bleed when I brush my teeth?
2. Are my gums frequently swollen and red?
3. Have my gums receded visibly?
4. Do I have bad breath that doesn’t respond to regular brushing and a change in diet?
5. Is one or more of my teeth loose?
If you answered yes to the first two questions, you have gingivitis. If you answered yes to all five, you have periodontitis. If your gums have become swollen and visibly enlarged, you should see your dentist immediately.
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Tags: General health
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