You probably don’t think about your gums much, until they start to hurt. But gum disease is more common than most people realise, and ignoring it can lead to big problems, not just for your mouth, but for your whole body too.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease starts quietly. At first, you might not even notice it. But over time, your gums can become red, swollen, and painful. This early stage is called gingivitis. If it’s not treated, it can turn into periodontitis, which damages the tissues and bone that support your teeth.
Common signs of gum disease include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Receding gums (your teeth look longer)
- Loose or shifting teeth
Causes and how it progresses
Gum disease usually starts with plaque, that sticky film on your teeth. If you don’t brush and floss well, plaque hardens into tartar, which in turn irritates your gums. Over time, this leads to inflammation and infection. Smoking, drinking, poor diet, hormonal changes, and skipping dental visits can all make it worse.
Gum disease is a big problem in Africa
In Sub-Saharan Africa, gum disease affects millions of people and it’s getting worse. For example, aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a type of gum disease that mostly affects teenagers of African descent. It also often runs in families, which means it may be linked to inherited genes. What’s more, gum disease can lead to other serious health issues, and open the door to something even more dangerous, like Noma. Noma is a fast-moving infection that starts in the mouth and spreads quickly, destroying facial tissue. It mostly affects children and without treatment, it can be deadly, but with early care, it can be prevented. That’s why it’s so important to take gum health seriously, no matter your age.
Final thought
Your gums might not get the spotlight, but they matter just as much as your teeth. Gum disease is common, but it’s also preventable. A few minutes of care each day can protect your smile and your health for years to come.
References
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease#
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/campaign/tips/diseases/periodontal-gum-disease.html
https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/about/gum-periodontal-disease.html
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/prd.12617
https://www.afro.who.int/news/africa-burdened-largest-global-increase-oral-diseases
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/oral-health
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7946349/#
