{"id":893,"date":"2020-10-30T03:48:52","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T10:48:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/?p=893"},"modified":"2025-10-11T09:29:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-11T16:29:50","slug":"9-facts-about-gum-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/9-facts-about-gum-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Facts About Gum Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common and serious oral ailments that often go under the radar is gum disease. The reason for this is unclear. It may be due to the lack of knowledge or the spread of misconceptions. Alternatively, it could be overshadowed by other, more well-known oral conditions such as cavities, impacted molars, and tooth decay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This unfortunate lack of awareness of this disease is a serious problem, especially with your oral health on the line. Some people may already have it but it goes unnoticed until it\u2019s too late. Because of this, it\u2019s important to learn the facts surrounding gum disease and the complications it can bring.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is Gum Disease?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-898 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plaque-and-bacteria-must-never-be-allowed-to-accumulate.jpg\" alt=\"Plaque and bacteria\" width=\"1500\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plaque-and-bacteria-must-never-be-allowed-to-accumulate.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plaque-and-bacteria-must-never-be-allowed-to-accumulate-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plaque-and-bacteria-must-never-be-allowed-to-accumulate-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Plaque-and-bacteria-must-never-be-allowed-to-accumulate-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gum disease or periodontitis occurs when the gums, the tissues that hold your teeth in place, suffers from a serious infection due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria. Advanced cases of the disease involve severe damage to the jaw bone and eventually lead to tooth loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gum disease <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mouthhealthy.org\/en\/az-topics\/g\/gum-disease.aspx?_ga=2.143066876.896088795.1600001059-1451769664.1600001059\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">signs and symptoms<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are quite easy to spot. Once you see any of these warning signs, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lambtonfamilydental.com\/services\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">see a dentist right away to get proper treatment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Constant cases of bad breath<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tender or bleeding gums<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Noticeable pain when chewing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red or swollen gums<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tooth loss<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receding gums<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Overly sensitive teeth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>How Does Gum Disease Develop?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Periodontitis does not happen right away. There are 4 stages involved in the development of the disease:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stage 1: Gingivitis \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the first stage of the disease and is still reversible. It\u2019s characterized by bleeding or swollen gums.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stage 2: Slight Periodontal \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When gingivitis is left untreated, it advances into this stage. The infection has now reached the bones and is starting the deterioration process. While considered irreversible, it can still be managed with treatments.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stage 3: Moderate Periodontal \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At stage 3, the infection has reached the point where not only your bones are affected, but so are the bloodstream and immune system.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stage 4: Advanced Periodontal \u2013 <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The final stage of the disease. This is characterized by rapid bone loss and teeth falling out of the gumline.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Facts About Gum Disease You Should Know About<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various misconceptions and the lack of information has contributed to inadequate gum disease prevention. Hopefully, the facts provided below will help you get a better understanding of periodontitis and encourage you to get the necessary treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><strong>Periodontal Disease isn\u2019t Limited to the Elderly<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-896 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gum-Disease-can-happen-to-anyone.jpg\" alt=\"Gum Disease can happen to anyone\" width=\"1500\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gum-Disease-can-happen-to-anyone.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gum-Disease-can-happen-to-anyone-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gum-Disease-can-happen-to-anyone-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gum-Disease-can-happen-to-anyone-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One common misconception about gum disease is that it only affects the elderly.\u00a0 In reality, anyone, including children can get periodontitis. Even pets aren\u2019t safe from this ailment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s why it\u2019s so important for people of all ages to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/12-months-isnt-too-early-to-meet-the-dentist\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get dental checkups every 6 months<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to make sure their teeth and gums are healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>2.Gum Disease Can Be Hereditary<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Genetics is one of the major factors when dealing with oral diseases. While you might be meticulous in your personal oral hygiene, there\u2019s still a chance that you might be at risk of gum disease if it\u2019s in your family history.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, that doesn\u2019t mean that gum disease is inevitable for you. Regular dental checkups and making healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting or avoiding smoking can help reduce the chances of you getting periodontitis.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>3.Periodontitis is linked to other serious illnesses.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Various studies and research has compiled a reasonable amount of evidence regarding the connection between gum disease and other seemingly unrelated health problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are medical conditions where periodontal disease is linked to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Diabetes\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to research, diabetics are more prone to develop severe cases of gum disease compared to those who aren\u2019t. Moreover, the periodontitis has also resulted in diabetics being unable to maintain regular glucose levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Stroke<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a 2004 study conducted in Germany, patients with severe cases of periodontitis have a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ahajournals.org\/doi\/full\/10.1161\/01.str.0000110789.20526.9d\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">high risk of getting an ischemic stroke<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This occurs when a blood vessel that delivers blood to the brain is blocked.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><b>Cancer<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A study conducted in 2008 showed that periodontal disease was associated with a small, but significant, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/lanonc\/article\/PIIS1470-2045(08)70106-2\/fulltext?isEOP=true\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">increase in overall cancer risk<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Then a more recent study in 2018 showed a stronger relationship between the two ailments, especially between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/full\/10.1002\/ijc.31254\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">gum disease and pancreatic cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>4.Gum Disease is Contagious<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One little known fact of gum disease is that it can actually spread from person to person \u2013 the bacteria from someone with the disease to be more specific. The bacteria can be passed on to another through saliva, so doing the following with someone affected by the condition can put you at risk:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharing toothbrushes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using the same utensils such as spoons and forks without washing them first<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kissing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking from the same glass or bottle<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking a bite out of the same food.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have a family member or a friend who is showing symptoms of gum disease, make sure to sterilize your kitchen utensils and avoid sharing food and drinks.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>5.Dairy Products can Help Prevent Periodontal Disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-945 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Milk-is-can-help-prevent-gum-disease-opt.jpg\" alt=\"Milk-is-can-help-prevent-gum-disease\" width=\"750\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Milk-is-can-help-prevent-gum-disease-opt.jpg 750w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Milk-is-can-help-prevent-gum-disease-opt-300x180.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating healthy food not only keeps your body healthy but it also helps keep gum disease at bay \u2013 more specifically, dairy products. These types of food contain calcium and other elements that help put back minerals your teeth might have been lost due to other foods. They also help rebuild tooth enamel and lower acidity levels which helps fight against tooth decay.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to research, people who regularly consume dairy-based products have a lower risk of gum disease. So if you\u2019re in the market for food that can benefit your oral health, you can try these:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Milk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Plain yogurt<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cheese<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>6.Chronic Bad Breath Is a Sign of Gum Disease<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have been experiencing bad breath on more than one occasion and it keeps coming back no matter what you do, this may be a sign that you have gum disease. The ailment is due to a bacterial infection in which a foul odour is usually present.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re experiencing this condition, stop the breath fresheners and mints and go to the dentist right away.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>7.Having no Cavities Doesn\u2019t Mean you Don\u2019t Have Gum Disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A common misconception among people is that having no cavities is a sign of good oral health and that your teeth and gums are in top shape. However, tooth and gum health, though related, are totally separate from one another. It\u2019s still possible to have perfectly healthy teeth and have infected gums at the same time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>8.Regular Brushing Isn\u2019t Enough to Prevent Gum Disease<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-895 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Brushing-isnt-enough.jpg\" alt=\"Brushing isn\u2019t enough\" width=\"1500\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Brushing-isnt-enough.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Brushing-isnt-enough-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Brushing-isnt-enough-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Brushing-isnt-enough-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While brushing your teeth regularly is considered good oral hygiene, that alone isn\u2019t enough to prevent bacteria from infecting your gums. Flossing and using mouthwash designed for gum health can benefit your daily oral routine greatly. Having regular cleaning sessions at your dentist is the most effective way to get rid of the bacteria that have settled in hard-to-reach areas in your gum line.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>9.Pregnant Women Who Have Gum Disease Can Put Their Child at Risk<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-899 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Protect-your-unborn-child-from-gum-disease.jpg\" alt=\"Protect your unborn child from gum disease\" width=\"1500\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Protect-your-unborn-child-from-gum-disease.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Protect-your-unborn-child-from-gum-disease-300x180.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Protect-your-unborn-child-from-gum-disease-1024x614.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Protect-your-unborn-child-from-gum-disease-768x461.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is highly advised for pregnant women to regularly visit their dentist to eliminate gum disease while it is still at its early stages. The infection in the gums can interfere with the development of the unborn child because at later stages of periodontitis, bacteria have already reached the bloodstream and the toxins they release can cause problems once they reach the placenta.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a recent study, women who had underweight babies or have delivered prematurely were found to have serious cases of gum disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gum disease is a silent disease that can affect anyone without even knowing it. If left alone, it can cause serious complications to your overall health. It\u2019s always good to be well-informed when it comes to periodontitis, that way you will be able to prevent the disease at its earliest stages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are in need of dental checkup and gum cleaning services, contact Lambton Family Dental at\u00a0 (519)-344-5747. We\u2019ll be happy to serve you.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the most common and serious oral ailments that often go under the radar is gum disease. The reason &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":894,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dental","category-tips"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/893","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=893"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/893\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2097,"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/893\/revisions\/2097"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/894"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=893"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=893"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lambtonfamilydental.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=893"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}