Gum disease is swelling, soreness, or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth. The bacteria creates plaque on teeth, leading to an infection on the gum line. In the advanced stages, dental plaque hardens into tartar, which is impossible to remove by simply brushing and must be treated by a dentist.
There are two forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis means “inflammation of the gums.” It occurs when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Gingivitis often results in bleeding while flossing or brushing.
Severe or long-lasting gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are several types of periodontal disease affecting the gum tissue supporting the teeth. As the disease worsens, the jawbone anchoring the teeth is lost, making the teeth technically loose.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can result in tooth decay, tooth loss, and deterioration of the jawbone, causing ongoing pain and complications. Gum disease has been linked with conditions such as diabetes, strokes, cardiovascular disease, poor pregnancy outcomes, and dementia. While more research is needed to understand these links, there is growing evidence that a healthy mouth can improve your general health.