Sore gums and bleeding gums are often a sign of gum disease. Other signs of gum disease include persistent bad breath, loose teeth, painful chewing, receding gums and sensitive teeth. Mild gum disease is called gingivitis, and if this condition is not treated it can turn into the more serious version of gum disease, called periodontitis, which involves the teeth pulling away from the gums and forming pockets which can become infected. The structures that hold the teeth in place can then deteriorate, causing your teeth to need to be pulled out.

Gum disease can do more than just increase your risk for problems with your teeth. Gum disease may also increase your risk for other health conditions. These include type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Pregnant women with gum disease may also be at an increased risk for giving birth to babies that have low birth weights.

The American Academy of Periodontology found that as many as 75 percent of people in America suffer from some form of gum disease. People of any age can get gum disease, but in general most people don’t begin to show signs of this condition until they reach their 30s or 40s. Teenagers that have gum disease usually have only reached the gingivitis stage. It is rare for them to have the more serious periodontitis. Smoking, medications that reduce your saliva, diabetes and other medical conditions, genetics and the hormonal changes that occur in women all can make you more susceptible to gum disease.

Bacteria can build up to form plaque, and a buildup of plaque causes gum disease. This means you need to take care to keep your gums and teeth healthy by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing regularly to clean where your toothbrush can’t reach and visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleanings and to get any dental problems treated.

Tags: Brookfield, Chicago, Dental Cleaning, Manus Dental, Periodontal Disease, Periodontal Gum Care, Sore Gums