Gum disease is an infection in your mouth that can lead to a number of different health problems not only in your mouth but in your overall health as well.

Forms of gum disease

There are two different forms of gum disease know as Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Gingivitis often results in swollen gums that are irritable and bleed easily. Periodontitis often occurs if gingivitis is left untreated and results in the gums receding and forming infected pockets. This can result in your bones and tissue beginning to break down as your body tries to fight off the infection.

Factors which cause gum disease

Gum disease can be caused by a number of different factors such as bad oral health habits and issues in our day-to-day lives. Smoking is a major problem as it can irritate your gums and make the treatment of the disease harder, old fillings, dental bridges that haven’t been fitted properly, crooked teeth, stress and other issues such as certain medications you may be taking or diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS or diabetes, can have an affect.

Risk of tooth loss

If gum disease is left untreated not only can it result in tooth loss and severe damage to your gums, but it can also result in an increased risk of suffering from a stroke or a heart attack. If you are a diabetic it can result in issues with trying to control your blood sugar levels, and in women it can have an effect when giving birth as it heightens the risk of having a baby with a low weight at birth.

There are ways to tell if you have gum disease, so if you are worried look out for issues such as, bleeding gums, bad breath, a bad taste in your mouth, a change in your bite, loose teeth or gaps forming between the teeth, swollen or tender gums, a pain when you chew food or sensitive teeth. If you have any of these symptoms make an appointment Harley Street Dental Studio in London to have them checked out.