Gum diseases are inflammatory diseases that affect the gums and other tissues that support the teeth. Gum diseases are responsible for 70% of tooth loss in adults. These diseases can be treated easily and successfully when diagnosed at an early stage. Prevention or treatment of gum disease; Preservation of natural teeth also brings other benefits such as better chewing and better digestion. Gum diseases begin with gingivitis. So, gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. During this period, the gums are bleeding, red and enlarged in volume. It may not cause much discomfort in the early period. If left untreated, the disease may progress to periodontitis and cause irreversible damage to the gingiva and alveolar bone supporting the teeth.
What are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
The first and most important symptom of gum disease is bleeding. The cause of bleeding is gingivitis. After the bacteria accumulating on the teeth reach a certain level, they make the gums inflamed and bleeding occurs after that stage. This period is approximately 2 weeks.
Major Causes of Gum Disease
Genetic predisposition: It has been determined that 30% of people with gum diseases have these problems in their families. It is known that people who do not give importance to oral and dental care are exposed to gum disease 6 times more than others due to this predisposition.
Smoking: Smoking, which is a factor behind many diseases, causes the gums to soften and paves the way for the development of gum diseases.
Stress: Stress, which causes the body to be unprotected against infections, is also effective in the formation of gum diseases. Since stress causes grinding and clenching in the mouth, it is effective in reducing the force between the teeth and gums. The most important reason for the recession in the gums is the clenching of the teeth.
Malnutrition and obesity: In order to strengthen the body’s immune system, attention should be paid to nutrients. When this is ignored, it becomes vulnerable to diseases. The development of gingival diseases cannot be prevented if bad eating habits and excess weight, which accelerate the formation of infections, are not controlled.
Vitamin deficiencies: The deficiency of vitamins K, C, B12, folic acid and niacin in the body causes complaints such as nosebleeds, diarrhea, and weakness in addition to bleeding in the gums.
Hard brushing: As a result of brushing the teeth with hard movements, bleeding may occur in the gums due to the damaged tissues.
Hormones during pregnancy: Swelling and bleeding problems may occur in the gums, where blood flow is fast during pregnancy. Hormones that cause gingival bleeding by accelerating the formation of bacteria are more effective especially in the second trimester of pregnancy.
Improper and poor quality dental prostheses: Structures such as crown bridges, fillings, prostheses that will press on the gums can cause gum problems.
Leukemia, scurvy, diabetes disorders: These disorders can cause infections by increasing the bleeding tendency in the gums.
Drug use: People who use blood-thinning drugs, antidepressants, heart medications and birth control pills should pay attention to their oral health. These drugs can damage the gums.