The mouth is a multifunctional organ of the body that contains several important components, including the teeth, the tongue, and the hard and soft palates, to only name a few. The mouth and the elements that make it up are heavily associated with several vital bodily systems, such as speech, respiration, and of course, digestion.

Our gums, otherwise known as the gingiva, make up a tissue system that stretches alongside our teeth to protect them and underlying bones. This forms a ‘seal’ to keep the teeth in place and thwart away invading germs. It’s pivotal that you take care of your gums and not neglect oral hygiene because gum diseases can impact your overall oral health.

The Diseases of the Gums

There are two major and commonly occurring gum diseases are gingivitis and periodontitis. The terms mean ‘gum inflammation’ and ‘gum disease,’ respectively. Gingivitis can lead to you developing periodontitis later on, which is why it’s crucial to treat the issue right away.

Here’s more about the conditions:

Gingivitis

As plaque is left to accumulate on the teeth, the bacteria it contains causes surrounding gums to become inflamed and susceptible to bleeding upon brushing. This irritation of the gums is known as gingivitis, which is a controllable and reversible condition up to this point.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is allowed to progress past a certain point, the resulting disease is called periodontitis. It is characterized by the gums and bones becoming detached from one another, forming pockets that allow debris and germs to accumulate, giving rise to severe infection. Consequently, the gum and bone tissue are weakened and eventually, destroyed. This is often followed by the teeth not being able to remain anchored in their positions and falling off.

Periodontitis is a serious, irreversible condition. Its symptoms include red, swollen gums or ones that bleed. You’ll also experience pain as you chew on top of having poor teeth alignment and visible pockets between the gums and the teeth.

Rapha Dental is a general dentistry facility based in New Jersey. Our services range from dental cosmetic procedures and root canal procedures to tooth extractions and so much more.

If you suspect you’re suffering from gum infection, reach out to us at Rapha Dental and book your appointment comfortably for a checkup.