Symptoms and Causes of Gum Disease

Your gums are the Skin of Your Teeth®. The better you care for them, the longer they will hold onto your teeth.

Gum Disease Symptoms vary widely depending on the severity of the problem. Gum disease can begin with the relatively mild symptoms of gingivitis and can advance in severity to periodontitis, tooth loss and eventually to systemic problems such as heart and circulation problems.

Symptoms of Gingivitis (Gum Disease)

The early-warning symptoms of gum disease (periodontal disease), such as gingivitis, alert you to act quickly to prevent the pain and expense of more advanced problems.

Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is the mildest form of gum disease and exhibits these symptoms:

• Red, swollen and tender gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Gingivitis can be easily treated. The bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place haven’t been affected and the damage to the gums can be reversed. Healthy gums ensure that your teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets.

Gingivitis can mask receding gums, a more serious form of gum disease.

Symptoms of Periodontitis Gum Disease

Gingivitis can worsen into periodontitis, a far more serious gum disease. Periodontitis occurs when bacteria-filled plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. The gums become irritated by the toxins produced by the bacteria. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response that causes the tissues and bone that support the teeth to be broken down and destroyed.

There are several types of periodontitis gum disease:

• Aggressive periodontitis – This occurs in people who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common symptoms include rapid detachment of gums from teeth and bone destruction.
• Chronic periodontitis – Gum disease symptoms of chronic periodontitis include deep pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. Symptoms generally worsen more slowly than in cases of acute periodontitis.
• Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases – Heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis, which may begin at a young age.

Symptoms of the destructive nature of periodontitis include:

• Receding gums – The gum line begins to pull away from the teeth, exposing more of each tooth and eventually the roots, too.
• Deep Pockets – Periodontitis causes the gums to detach from the teeth, creating gaps (pockets) where bacteria collect and grow.
• Loose or shifting teeth – As periodontitis advances and causes more gum tissue and bone loss, teeth begin to loosen and shift.
• Changes in the way teeth fit – The way teeth fit together upon biting down or in the fit of partial dentures may change due to weakness.

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum diseases such as gingivitis, receding gums and periodontitis may be caused by:

• Poor Oral Hygiene Habits – This is the most common cause of gum disease. If you don’t brush and floss daily, plaque builds up on your teeth. Plaque is a biofilm that consists of bacteria and the sticky substances they excrete. Daily cleaning and flossing will normally remove plaque. But when the harmful bacteria are left to accumulate on your teeth, the plaque hardens into tartar, a substance that can only be removed by your dentist or dental hygienist.
• Use of tobacco products – Tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
• Certain medications – At every check-up, a dentists inquires about medications to determine whether a patient’s usage may have a negative effect on oral health.
• Genetics – Perhaps 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to gum disease, making them six times more likely to develop gum disease.
• Hormonal changes in women – Significant events in a woman’s life, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, can cause hormonal changes that make the gums more susceptible to periodontal disease
• Grinding and clinching teeth – This habit can put too much pressure on the teeth and gums and accelerate or cause gum disease.
• Crooked teeth or misaligned bite – Teeth that bite improperly or are poorly aligned may place too much pressure on certain teeth and gum areas, which may accelerate or cause gum disease.

For details about gum disease treatment, visit our Gum Disease Treatment.
For more details about receding gums, visit Receding Gums Symptoms & Causes and Receding Gums Treatment.
For more details about dental care and gum care, visit  Dental Care Basics.
For more details about a safer, brushless way to clean teeth, visit PeriClean Ultra Soft Specialty Toothbrush. This gentle toothbrush also protects your gums– the Skin of Your Teeth®.