GUM DISEASE Meaning and
Definition
-
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a general term used to describe a range of conditions that affect the structures surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a chronic bacterial infection that mainly affects the gums, bone, and other tissues that support the teeth.
In its mildest form, gum disease is known as gingivitis. It is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. When left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more severe form called periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place. It leads to the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth, causing them to recede and potentially leading to tooth loss. Symptoms of periodontitis may include persistent bad breath, loose teeth, tooth sensitivity, and a change in the position of teeth.
Several risk factors can contribute to the development of gum disease, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy or menopause), certain medications, genetics, and medical conditions that suppress the immune system.
Preventing gum disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and scheduling routine dental check-ups. Treatment options for gum disease may vary depending on the severity of the condition, ranging from professional dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene to more advanced treatments like scaling and root planing, gum surgery, or dental implants.
Common Misspellings for GUM DISEASE
- fum disease
- vum disease
- bum disease
- hum disease
- yum disease
- tum disease
- gym disease
- ghm disease
- gjm disease
- gim disease
- g8m disease
- g7m disease
- gun disease
- guk disease
- guj disease
- gum sisease
- gum xisease
- gum cisease
- gum fisease
- gum risease
Etymology of GUM DISEASE
The word "gum disease" is a compound term consisting of two parts, "gum" and "disease".
The term "gum" primarily refers to the soft, pink tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth, also known as the gingiva. It comes from the Middle English word "gome", which originally meant "the flesh covering the lower jaw", derived from the Old English word "goma".
On the other hand, the word "disease" originates from the Old French word "desaise", meaning "lack of ease or comfort", which eventually evolved into "disease" in Middle English. "Disease" refers to an abnormal condition or disorder affecting the body or its organs, often causing specific symptoms.
Therefore, the etymology of the term "gum disease" simply combines these two words to describe a condition or disorder affecting the gums.
