Gum diseases, like gingivitis, can cause a host of problems in the teeth and underlying structures. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused by a buildup of food and plaque in the area between the teeth and gums. When plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth and under the gums, it forms a hard substance known as tartar. Tartar can trap bacteria underneath the gum line causing gum disease and gingivitis.
Some people are more prone to tartar buildup than others. Some risk factors for developing gingivitis include smoking or chewing tobacco products, diabetes, certain medications, crooked teeth which make it difficult to properly floss, poorly fitting dental appliances that can trap plaque near the gums and cause infections, broken fillings, pregnancy, genetics, and a lowered immune system.
Gingivitis and other gum diseases can be treated if symptoms are recognized and addressed early on. Some of the signs and symptoms associated with gum disease and gingivitis include:
1. Bleeding Gums
Bleeding gums are often the first thing people notice when they have gingivitis. It is often seen when the toothbrush turns pink after brushing. Flossing will also cause the gums to bleed if gingivitis is present. Bleeding gums are the tell-tale sign that there is a problem in the mouth. When the gums begin to bleed, it is a good indication that gingivitis is present. It is also the appropriate time to see your dentist before severe gum disease takes hold and cause complications. An oral hygienist will be able to point out areas in the mouth that may be neglected and need more attention during oral hygiene activities.
2. Bad Breath
Bad breath occurs when people have gingivitis. Poor oral hygiene is often the culprit behind gingivitis and this will also cause halitosis. Plaque and tartar that consistently sits on the teeth will eventually emit an odor. In addition to poor oral hygiene, bacterial infections left to fester in the gums will cause a bad odor. Bleeding and inflammation can also cause bad breath. If bad breath is noted, an appointment with a dentist should be made to check for signs of gingivitis and to treat any infections as soon as possible.
3. Loose Teeth
When gum disease is left unchecked, it will eventually result in loose teeth. Plaque and tartar along the gum line can erode tissues and other structures needed to hold teeth in place. Advanced infections of the gums can invade the jaw bone and loosen teeth.
4. Receding Gums
When it is left untreated, gum disease will cause the gums to pull back away from the teeth. The plaque and tartar that accumulates in the pockets between the gums and the teeth will cause receding gums. The roots of the teeth can then become exposed. The roots of the teeth do not have the hard layer of enamel covering the tooth and the dentin of the tooth is exposed. This dentin can cause major tooth sensitivity when eating and drinking, resulting in severe discomfort. As the gums recede, the underlying supportive tissues are eroded. This causes the teeth to become loose and ultimately may result in tooth loss.
5. Tooth Loss
Tooth loss occurs due to gum disease in many cases. The gums are a soft tissue structure with ligaments and connective tissues connected them to the teeth. When the gums become infected, they can recede, causing the underlying structures to disappear. When these tissues are no longer connected to the teeth, the teeth become loose and can finally result in tooth loss if left untreated.
6. Toothache
Toothaches can occur due to complications of gingivitis. When the gums separate and recede from the teeth, the roots of the teeth are exposed. The part of the tooth that is usually visible, called the crown, is covered with hard enamel to protect the nerve underneath and prevent pain and sensitivity. The roots of the teeth are not covered with enamel. When they are exposed to food and drink, they cause sensitivity and pain. Without the protective coating of enamel over the roots, the underlying softer material called dentin is exposed. This dentin can easily succumb to plaque and quickly cause tooth decay. This tooth decay can quickly progress deep into the tooth near the nerve and cause severe pain.
7. Ulcers
Mouth ulcers and sores in the mouth are often due to the spread of gingivitis and gum disease. When plaque hardens it becomes tartar. This tartar can have jagged edges that rub against soft tissues in the mouth, causing sores and ulcers. Gingivitis can also result in bacterial infections in the soft tissues of the mouth. These infections cause canker sores and painful ulcers over time. The longer the infection is left untreated in the mouth, the greater the risk is for ulcers. Any sore in the mouth that has not healed is susceptible to infection. If there is already a gum infection present, it can easily spread to an open area in the palate or other soft tissue, causing major damage and pain to the soft tissue.
8. Dental Plaque
Plaque in the mouth is caused by normal eating habits. Brushing and flossing the gums removes harmful plaque from the gums when performed regularly. If good oral hygiene is not practiced, dental plaque can seep into pockets between the gums and teeth, eventually hardening into tartar. Dental plaque that sits on the gums will inflame and irritate the tissue. This can cause bleeding, swelling, and tenderness. This inflammation can progress to gingivitis and more serious gum infections if not promptly treated by a dental health professional. This is why a bi-annual cleaning by an oral hygienist is so important. The hygienist can clean dental plaque from places in the mouth that are impossible to reach with brushing and flossing alone.
9. Tooth Redness
Tooth redness occurs when gums become inflamed and irritated. If only one tooth is affected, it could indicate an infection in that area of the gums. However, because of the nature of the soft tissues in the mouth, gum diseases and infections can quickly spread and become difficult to control. Gingivitis and gum disease can cause problems in the nerve of a tooth.
When the soft dentin of the root of a tooth is exposed, it can allow tooth decay to take hold. If this tooth decay is allowed to spread into the nerve of the tooth, an infection in the canal can occur. When the nerve of the tooth starts to die off, it releases a gas which gets trapped in the canal. This can sometimes give the tooth a reddish appearance. Eventually, the tooth will turn a typical gray color when completely lost to infection. If redness around a tooth is observed, it is a sign to make an appointment with a dentist.
10. Malocclusion
If gum disease is allowed to progress, the ligaments connecting the gums to the teeth can loosen. Teeth will loosen over time with the progression of gum disease. When the teeth become loose, they may shift when eating and chewing foods and a malocclusion occurs. A malocclusion happens when the upper and lower teeth no longer fit together properly. This can lead to pain when chewing meals.
Malocclusions are not always the result of gingivitis, but they can actually contribute to it. When the teeth do not fit together properly and become crooked, toothbrushes and floss cannot be used correctly. This may mean certain areas of the teeth and gums get more plaque and tartar buildup than others. This is especially harmful to the areas of the gums between the teeth when floss will not fit to remove plaque. If gum disease is allowed to start in one area of the mouth, it can quickly spread to the rest of the oral cavity if not treated promptly. Fixing a malocclusion will help prevent gingivitis from spreading.
