Gum Infection

Gum infections and gum diseases are also known as Periodontal disease or periodontitis. Gum infections and how bad they are can have a dramatic effect on the gums, bones and teeth that they hold in place. Gum Infections are initially generally painless and may go away but they can also present more serious health problems in other areas of the body as well when left untreated. If you suspect problems with your gums, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

You dentist is equipped to deal with gum infections at different stages but it’s better if they catch it earlier. During a checkup with your dentist, the dentist will use an instrument called a periodontal probe. A periodontal probe is used in determining the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums. This “V” shaped area between the teeth and gums is known as the sulcus. The deeper the pocket that exists in the sulcus (more than 3 mm) the more diseased the gums are determined to be. The problem with deeper sulcus pockets in the gum line is that they hold more bacteria and create worse infections than normal pocket depths would. The deeper the pocket is, the bigger the problem.

There are other problems that can come from gum disease aside from gum infections. When your gums become overly inflamed, red and bleeding, they open up a portal to the rest of the body enabling the bacteria in your mouth to have total access to the rest of the body.

There are literally many different diseases that are said to be linked to gum infections. In other cases, gum infections can be an indicator of other diseases that are present in the body. Such is the case with HIV/AIDS. One of the first signs of HIV/AIDS may appear in your mouth as a severe gum infection.

Cardiovascular disease has been shown to be linked to gum infections as well. Some people believe that gum infections and bacteria from your mouth can travel through your veins to the arteries of the heart, creating an infection there and affecting your entire cardiovascular system.

As in the case of Osteoporosis, the preliminary stages of bone loss may show up on your teeth. With diabetes, you can be at high risk with cavities, tooth loss, dry mouth and all sorts of other oral infections.

As gum infections can be an indicator or not only oral problems but other disease, it’s a good idea to see your dentist early in any developmental stage.

Oral Health | Gum Infection | Mouth Ulcers | Oral Hygienist