Gum disease is caused mostly as a result of poor oral hygiene, among other reasons. Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, and it may extend to the bone surrounding and supporting the teeth. This inflammation reaching the bone damages it irreversibly, and this stage is known as periodontitis (commonly called pyorrhoea). There are two main stages of the gum disease, and if it is not addressed and treated in time, it may lead to tooth loss.

It is the inflammation of gum tissue around a tooth, usually caused by the dental plaque formed close to the gumline. If the plaque is not removed and if it accumulates, the bacteria present in it produce toxins, which may irritate the gum tissue causing it to swell, become red and even bleed easily.

If gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation reaches and affects the bone and the surrounding tissue. Pockets may be formed between the tooth surface and gum or surrounding tissue, resulting in loosening of the teeth from the supporting bone. If the pockets increase in depth, or if the tooth becomes loose, it may result in tooth loss eventually, or in a condition where a dentist has to remove the tooth. Apart from this, advanced stages of gum and periodontal inflammation may even require surgical procedures.

• Redness and swelling in gums
• Bleeding from gums during brushing
• Gums that have separated from the surfaces of teeth
• Pus or a white discharge from gums
• Constant bad breath
• Loosening of teeth from the gums
• Mobility of teeth.

The best way to prevent gum disease is to prevent plaque formation and maintain good oral hygiene. This may be done by:

• Thorough brushing twice a day,
• Flossing daily to reach the area between tooth surfaces
• Avoiding sticky food
• Seeing a dentist regularly and getting professional teeth cleaning done.

The gum disease can be treated in early stages by maintaining good oral hygiene. It can also be treated by professional plaque and tartar removal, by procedures called scaling and root planing. If the infection has reached advanced stages, the treatment may require extensive gum regenerating and/ or surgical procedures.