Gingivitis
This is a mild form of periodontal disease. The symptoms are red, swollen gums that bleed easily. At this stage there is very little to no discomfort. Gingivitis is generally caused by oral hygiene neglect. Gingivitis is easily cured simply by getting treatment and having a good oral hygiene.
There are other factors that could cause gingivitis such as if you are a diabetic, if you are a smoker, ageing, if you have a genetic predisposition, if you have stress, if you have malnutrition, if you are going through puberty, if your hormones are fluctuating, if you are pregnant, if you are abusing substances, if you are HIV infected and some medication use.
Periodontitis
If you leave the condition of gingivitis untreated it then becomes Periodontitis. Plaque will eventually spread and then start to grow below the gum line. The toxins that are produced by the bacteria present in plaque will start to irritate the gums.
The toxins cause the body to turn on itself because it stimulated a chronic inflammatory response. This inflammatory response causes the tissues and the bones that hold the teeth in place to break down and then destroys them.
The gums then pull away from the teeth which causes spaces to form between them and those spaces become infected. These spaces are known as pockets and the more the disease progresses, the deeper the pockets become and the gum tissue and bone are destroyed. This process does not often have symptoms or the symptoms will be mild. The teeth will eventually start to loosen in the gums, and will ultimately have to be removed.
Of the many forms of Periodontis, below are the most common forms
Aggressive Periodontitis
This form of periodontis usually occur in patients that are clinically healthy. The most common features includes quick attachment loss, rapid bone destruction and familial aggregation
Chronic Periodontitis
This form of periodontis is where there is inflammation inside the supporting tissue of the teeth. The detachment of the tissue and bones is progressive. This form of periodontis is the most common and is recognised by the formation of pockets and the receding of the gingiva. Adults are more prone to get this form of periodontis, but it has been known to appear at any age. The detachment happens slowly, but at times can happen faster.
Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic disease
This form of periodontis usually occurs at a young age. Some illnesses such as heart disease, respiratory diseases as well as diabetes are associated with this type of periodontitis.
Necrotizing periodontal disease
This form of periodontal disease appear as lesions and occurs in patients with HIV, or in patients who are malnourished, and in immunosuppression. This infection is identified by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone.
Did you know that there are about 100 Million germs on an average toothbrush? The best way to prevent further infection of the gums is to make sure that little or no germs and bacteria invade the gums and pockets. One way of doing that is to make sure that your toothbrush is germ free. Brushtox is an antiseptic that eliminates any germs and bacteria from your toothbrush bristles.
Probiotics is another essential way to get rid of existing bad bacteria in the mouth. Probiotics produce good bacteria that will fight off the bad bacteria that cause bad breath as well as other oral health issues. By introducing probiotics into oral health it will prevent halitosis as well as cavities, gum disease and even sore throats. Probiotics will balance the microflora in the mouth, thus preventing oral related problems.