Keeping gums healthy leads to having healthy teeth, since gums are present at the teeth base. On the contrary, if gum problems go undetected and are left untreated, it may result in tooth loss. Gum problems and diseases usually appear in aged people, usually above the age of 35 years. Mild problems may also appear in some children which require immediate treatments. Gum diseases occur due to constant bacterial deposits in the form of plaque and tartar that destroys the surrounding connective tissues resulting in swelling and bleeding of gums. Early detection with professional cleanings results in healthy teeth and gums, free from the impact of gingivitis and periodontitis diseases.

While gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can be easily treated through professional cleaning and proper brushing and flossing habits, periodontitis results from prolonged untreated gingivitis. Periodontitis may be of different forms depending upon present patient conditions and are classified as chronic (observed at all ages, mostly in adults), necrotizing (observed in those having HIV infection, malnutrition etc.), aggressive (observed in those who are clinically healthy otherwise) or as a systematic disease (observed in those having heart disease, diabetes etc.). Gingivitis and periodontitis thus requires immediate detection and treatments and good oral care in order to avoid all negative consequences.

Gingivitis is found in almost 70% cases while the rest 30% accounts for periodontitis. Regular brushing, flossing and use of antibacterial mouth rinses coupled with refrain from smoking and tobacco products serve as the first and foremost precautionary measures required to avoid gingivitis and periodontitis. Diagnosis of gum diseases include checking bleeding, swollen and firm gums, teeth movement and sensitivity, assessing bite and taking full mouth X-rays to detect surrounding bone breakdown around the affected teeth and gums. After a thorough diagnosis, proper treatment follows to control the spread of further infection. Apart from medications, scaling/professional cleaning and maintaining good oral hygiene, other treatments pertaining to gum diseases include curettage, flap surgery, soft tissue grafts, bone surgery etc.

Potential factors that lead to gingivitis and periodontitis includes stress, medication effects, malnutrition, illness, smoking and tobacco use, hormonal changes, clenching and grinding teeth etc. Gingivitis and periodontitis diseases can be avoided to a great extent by practicing good routine brushing and flossing habits coupled with regular professional dental cleaning. An active role in maintaining better oral hygiene reflects in healthy teeth and gums all through life. The gum diseases not only affect the teeth and gums, but also the surrounding bone and connective tissues that lead to formation of loose teeth which may require extraction.

Periodontitis can be mild, moderate and severe, thereby requiring different types of professional treatments. The complications associated to gingivitis and periodontitis include damage to jaw bone and surrounding ligaments, gum abscesses or collection of pus, receding gums, loose teeth, loss of teeth etc. The best way to avoid such complications is early detection of gum problems followed by immediate treatments and solutions to restore healthy teeth and gums. Routine dental check-ups assist in maintaining good oral health and hygiene all through life.