Gum Diseases
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Contents
What are gum diseases?
Gum Diseases are a group of conditions resulting from inflammation and infection of the gums. The most common types are known as gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease). Gingivitis is an early stage typically characterized by red, swollen gums and gum bleeding. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis, on the other hand, can lead to gum recession (receding gums), damage to the bone tissue surrounding the teeth, and ultimately, loosening and even loss of teeth. Gum Diseases can progress insidiously and often go unnoticed in their early stages.
Gum Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Methods at Eftal Dent
A healthy mouth isn’t just about sparkling white teeth; healthy gums are equally important. Gum Diseases are a common problem affecting the gums that support and protect your teeth. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to tooth loss and general health issues. At Eftal Dent Dental Clinic in Istanbul Bağcılar, expert dentists effectively treat these diseases. Gum Diseases can affect people of all ages and can be controlled with early diagnosis and the right treatment methods.
Causes of Gum Diseases
The primary cause of Gum Diseases is the bacterial plaque that accumulates on the teeth. If adequate oral hygiene is not maintained, this plaque hardens, leading to the formation of tartar (dental calculus). Tartar provides a more favorable environment for bacterial plaque to accumulate and irritates the gums. However, there are other factors that play a role in the development of Gum Diseases.
Of course, let’s explain each point in a bit more detail:
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Smoking: Smoking narrows the blood vessels reaching the gums, causing less oxygen and nutrients to go to the area. This significantly reduces the gums’ ability to regenerate and fight infections. At the same time, smoking suppresses the immune system, weakening the body’s natural defense mechanism against bacterial plaque. Therefore, Gum Diseases progress faster in smokers and may be more difficult to respond to treatment. The harmful substances contained in cigarettes directly irritate the gums, also increasing inflammation.
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Genetic Predisposition: Just like with other health problems, some individuals may be more sensitive to Gum Diseases due to their genetic inheritance. This can be due to their immune systems reacting differently to bacterial plaque or the structure of their gum tissues being more prone to the disease. It is important for individuals with a family history of Gum Diseases to pay more attention to their oral hygiene and not neglect regular dental check-ups.
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Hormonal Changes: Especially in women, hormonal fluctuations that occur during different periods of life (such as puberty, pregnancy, menopause) can increase blood flow to the gums and make them more susceptible to the effects of bacterial plaque. For example, increased hormone levels during pregnancy can lead to “pregnancy gingivitis,” which manifests with symptoms such as swollen, red, and bleeding gums. During menopause, a decrease in hormone levels can cause dry mouth and gum sensitivity.
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Stress: The stress of daily life can negatively affect the body’s general defense mechanism, reducing its resistance to infections. In individuals under chronic stress, the immune system’s fight against bacterial plaque can weaken, which can increase the risk of developing or progressing Gum Diseases. Additionally, stress can lead individuals to not pay enough attention to oral hygiene or to acquire harmful habits such as teeth grinding.
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Certain Systemic Diseases: Especially diabetes (sugar disease) is closely related to Gum Diseases. High blood sugar levels weaken the body’s ability to fight infections and slow down the healing process. Therefore, Gum Diseases are more common, more severe, and more difficult to treat in diabetic patients. In addition, other systemic diseases affecting the immune system (such as HIV/AIDS) and autoimmune diseases can also increase the risk of Gum Diseases.
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Poor Nutrition: Insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body to stay healthy can also negatively affect gum health. Particularly, a deficiency of Vitamin C can cause the gums to weaken and become prone to bleeding. Similarly, other vitamin and mineral deficiencies can disrupt the healthy structure of gum tissues, reducing their resistance to infections. A balanced and nutritious diet is of great importance for overall oral health.
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Certain Medications: The side effects of some medications can affect the oral environment, increasing the risk of Gum Diseases. For example, some blood pressure medications, immunosuppressants, and some antihistamines can cause dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting the gums by cleaning bacteria in the mouth and neutralizing acids. Dry mouth can weaken this protective mechanism, leading to easier accumulation of bacterial plaque and gum inflammation. Furthermore, some medications can cause abnormal gum growth (gingival hyperplasia), which makes cleaning difficult and increases the risk of Gum Diseases.
Symptoms of Gum Diseases
The symptoms of Gum Diseases can vary depending on their stage. While symptoms may be mild in early stages, they become more pronounced in advanced stages:
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Gum Bleeding: Gum bleeding that occurs while brushing, flossing, or even spontaneously, is one of the most significant signs that there is a problem with your gums. Healthy gums do not normally bleed. This bleeding is usually a result of gum inflammation (gingivitis) and occurs due to the accumulation of bacterial plaque. Even if it’s slight bleeding, it’s important not to ignore it and consult a dentist, as early-stage Gum Diseases often manifest with this symptom.
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Gum Recession: Gum recession is when the gums move downwards from the tooth’s enamel-cementum junction, i.e., towards the root. This causes a portion of the tooth roots to become exposed. Since tooth roots are not covered with enamel, these exposed areas may be more sensitive to stimuli such as hot, cold, or sweet. Additionally, gum recession can lead to aesthetic concerns by making teeth appear longer. Advanced Gum Diseases, incorrect brushing techniques, or genetic factors can cause gum recession.
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Red and Swollen Gums: Healthy gums are typically light pink and firm. However, when Gum Diseases begin, the gums become inflamed, causing them to turn red and swell. Inflammation also softens the gum tissue, making them more sensitive and easily prone to bleeding. These symptoms are a natural response of the body to bacterial plaque and require treatment.
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Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath (halitosis) or a foul taste in the mouth can be a sign of Gum Diseases. The accumulation of bacteria and infection in the gums can lead to the formation of foul-smelling gases and compounds. This not only negatively affects social life but can also be an indicator of an underlying gum problem. Bad breath that does not go away despite regular brushing and mouthwash use should be taken seriously.
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Loose or Shifting Teeth: In advanced stages, Gum Diseases can cause severe damage to the bone tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. This bone loss leads to teeth loosening and becoming wobbly in their sockets. In some cases, the spaces between teeth may even increase, or teeth may shift to different positions from their normal alignment. This symptom indicates that the disease has reached an advanced stage and significantly increases the risk of tooth loss.
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Discomfort While Biting: Inflammation and infection in the gums can cause the surrounding tissues to become sensitive. This can lead to pain or discomfort, especially when eating or biting. Swelling and sensitivity in the gums can make normal chewing function difficult and negatively affect a person’s eating habits.
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Formation of Gum Abscesses: The formation of gum abscesses indicates the presence of an advanced and serious infection of Gum Diseases. An abscess is a sac filled with inflammatory fluid (pus) resulting from bacterial accumulation. This can cause severe pain, swelling, and tenderness. A gum abscess is a condition that requires immediate dental intervention, as the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and lead to more serious health problems.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult an expert dentist at Eftal Dent Dental Clinic Istanbul Bağcılar without delay. Early diagnosis plays a critical role in controlling Gum Diseases.
Stages of Gum Diseases
Gum Diseases are generally examined in two main stages:
Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation): This is the first and mildest stage of Gum Diseases. It is typically an inflammation caused by bacterial plaque accumulation on the teeth due to insufficient or incorrect oral hygiene. At this stage, the gums deviate from their normally healthy appearance, becoming red and swollen. One of the most prominent symptoms is easy bleeding when brushing or flossing. However, gingivitis is often painless, which can lead individuals to not take the condition seriously and delay treatment. The good news is that gingivitis is usually completely reversible by adopting a good oral hygiene routine and through regular professional dental cleaning (scaling) performed by a dentist. Regular removal of plaque and tartar reduces gum inflammation and allows them to return to their healthy state. If gingivitis is left untreated, there is a risk of progression to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease. Therefore, it is important for individuals with symptoms such as gum bleeding to consult a dentist without delay.
Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease): When gingivitis is left untreated or neglected for a long time, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious and destructive stage. At this stage, the inflammation affects not only the gums but also other tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth (periodontal ligament and alveolar bone). The gums recede from the teeth (gum recession), exposing a portion of the tooth roots. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and aesthetic problems. More importantly, bacterial plaque progresses below the gum line, creating pockets called periodontal pockets. The bacteria accumulated in these pockets gradually destroy the bone tissue. As bone loss progresses, the support for the teeth decreases, and the teeth begin to loosen. Eventually, when there is insufficient support, teeth may fall out or need to be extracted. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis usually leads to irreversible damage. Treatment focuses on stopping or slowing the progression of the disease and preventing tooth loss. This treatment may include deep dental cleaning (curettage), root planing, antibiotic use, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of periodontitis can help teeth remain in the mouth for a long time. Therefore, it is important for individuals with symptoms such as gum recession, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath to consult a periodontology specialist.
