GUM SURGERIES

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a set of inflammatory conditions affecting the tissues surrounding the teeth.In its early stage, called  gingivitis, the gums become swollen, red, and may bleed.In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or fall out.Bad breath may also occur.

Periodontal disease is generally due to bacteria in the mouth infecting the tissue around the teeth.Risk factors include smoking, diabetes, HIV/AIDS,family history, and certain medications. Diagnosis is by inspecting the gum tissue around the teeth both visually and with a probe and X-rays looking for boneloss around the teeth.

Treatment involves good oral hygiene and regular professional teeth cleaning.Recommended oral hygiene include daily brushing and flossing. In certain cases  antibiotics or dental surgery may be recommended.

Signs and symptoms :

In the early stages, periodontitis has very few symptoms, and in many individuals the disease has progressed significantly before they seek treatment.

Symptoms may include:

Redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth, using dental floss or biting into hard food (e.g., apples) (though this may occur even in gingivitis, where there is no attachment loss)

Gum swelling that recurs

Spitting out blood after brushing teeth

Halitosis, or bad breath, and a persistent metallic taste in the mouth

Gingival recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth. (This may also be caused by heavy-handed brushing or with a stiff toothbrush.)

Deep pockets between the teeth and the gums (pockets are sites where the attachment has been gradually destroyed by collagen-destroying enzymes, known as collagenases)

Loose teeth, in the later stages (though this may occur for other reasons, as well)

People should realize gingival inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is  insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis in that person.