Do you have gum disease?

How do you know your gums are healthy? Do a quick mirror check. Healthy gums are usually a light or coral shade of pink, but may also contain other pigments depending on your ethnicity. Colour changes in your gums (redness, yellow spots), as well as gum tenderness and bleeding, could be signs of gum disease.

Up to 40 percent of people suffer some level of gum disease.  Tackle this issue soon because it could be associated with heart disease, stroke, diabetes and respiratory illnesses. 

Gum disease is caused by plaque building up along the gum line. The plaque bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums and
cause them to become inflamed. If left untreated, gingivitis (gum disease) can weaken the seal between your gums and teeth,
and eventually cause the gums to recede and expose the root of the tooth.

The root of the problem 
When plaque and tartar are not properly removed from between our teeth, gums become swollen and bleed; this is gingivitis. Plaque
is that soft, sticky film that builds up on teeth and contains millions of bacteria. When plaque is not removed (through regular
brushing and flossing), it can eventually harden into tartar, which is easily spotted by its brown or yellow colour.

At this point, you have to worry about periodontitis. This is when the gums pull away from the teeth, and infected pockets appear
below the gum line. The bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed without proper treatment, and you
could lose a few teeth. The bacteria formed by gum disease can also enter the bloodstream and escalate your risk for serious conditions.

"Gum disease is not painful, and most people don't know there is a problem until it is too late," says periodontist Dr Howard
Gluckman. "The more aggressive type of gum disease is usually found in younger people, and the more chronic in older people, but
age is not a risk factor on its own.

Do I have gum disease?

Bleeding gums 
This is a major indicator, though this can be masked in smokers as gum inflammation is reduced.

Gum recession
When the necks of the roots are exposed from the loss of bone below. This can also stem from overly brushing teeth and really aggressive orthodontic treatment.

Loose teeth 
The bone has been destroyed, and the teeth are able to move in their sockets. Teeth can be mobile without the presence of gum disease but it's not that common.

Bad breath
The severity of bad breath varies from person to person, but sufferers are often not aware of it.

Sometimes the only way to detect periodontal disease is through a periodontal evaluation. This is especially important if you:

• Have symptoms of periodontal disease.
• Have heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease or osteoporosis.
• Are thinking of becoming pregnant.
• Have a family member with periodontal disease.
• Have a sore or irritation in your mouth that does not get better within two weeks.

What can I do?
Brush your teeth regularly and floss, floss, floss. "Flossing is very important but is not very popular because it is difficult and
requires fairly good manual dexterity," explains Gluckman. Gum disease and decay start most often in between the teeth that are
rarely cleaned. You may find it easier to use small brushes to get between those difficult to reach teeth.

"Six-monthly visits to the dentist are essential to reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Patients who have already
been diagnosed and treated for gum disease need to see a properly trained hygienist every three months to ensure the disease
does not return," says Gluckman.