Gum Disease

Bad breath and loose teeth can indicate periodontal disease. Red, swollen, inflamed or bleeding gums are also other common symptoms of gum disease. However, some patients with gum disease don't show any signs at all. That is one reason you need to have your teeth checked by a professional every once in a while.

 

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease (periodontal disease) and is caused by lack of oral hygiene. More than 50% of adults have gingivitis, where gums become red, swollen and bleed easily. Gingivitis can be easily treated by a dentist.

 

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles

When plaque grows below the gumline, the toxins produced by the bacteria stimulate an inflammatory response and the bones supporting the teeth break down. Only a dentist can treat periodontitis.

Source: Dentist Los Angeles

Smoking or consuming tobacco, heredity, pregnancy, puberty, stress, medications, teeth grinding, diabetes, poor nutrition, some diseases, age and poor oral hygiene are all factors that increase the risk of periodontal disease.

Source: Dentist Los Angeles

People who smoke are 3-4 times more susceptible to gum disease and usually respond poorly to treatments because of the impaired body defense system and prolonged healing process.

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles

Contraceptives, anti-depressants, organ rejection drugs, anti-seizures, heart medications and some other drugs can affect oral health and increase the chance of gum disease.

Source: Dentist Los Angeles

Transmission of disease, infection, inflammation of heart and its valves, nerve damage, prolonged bleeding, damage to the teeth, gum disease, difficulty in chewing and swallowing food, difficulty in speaking clearly and allergic traction to the material in the piercing are some of the health risks associated with oral piercings.

 

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles

The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis. In this stage the gums are infected and they appear red and swollen and are prone to bleeding. In later stages of periodontal disease, the underlying bones become affected as well.

Source: Cosmetic Dentist Los Angeles