Gum disease is a very common problem that many people face. It’s a condition that affects the gums and the bone that holds your teeth in place. While it may seem like a small issue at first, if left untreated, it can lead to serious problems like tooth loss. The good news is that gum disease is often preventable and, if caught early, very treatable.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about gum disease, from what it is and the different types you can get, to how to prevent it and the various treatment options available.
What is Gum Disease?
Think of your gums as the foundation for your teeth. They protect the roots and provide a sturdy base. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the foundation of the teeth. It starts when a sticky film of bacteria called plaque builds up on your teeth. If you don’t remove this plaque by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar.
Plaque and tartar are full of germs that irritate your gums. This irritation causes your gums to become red, swollen, and sometimes bleed. This is the beginning of gum disease. As the problem gets worse, the infection can spread and start to destroy the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.
The Two Main Types of Gum Disease
There are two main stages of gum disease. The first is mild and easily reversible, while the second is more advanced and requires professional treatment.
Gingivitis: The Early Stage of Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the first and mildest form of gum disease. It happens when plaque and tartar build up along the gum line, causing the gums to become inflamed.
Signs of Gingivitis
- Gums that are red and swollen.
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
- Bad breath.
At this stage, your teeth are still firmly in their sockets, and there is no irreversible damage to the bone or tissues. The great thing about gingivitis is that you can often reverse it entirely with a professional dental cleaning and by improving your daily brushing and flossing habits.
Periodontitis: The Advanced Stage of Gum Disease
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can progress to periodontitis, a much more serious form of gum disease. At this stage, the infection has spread and has started to cause real damage.
The bacteria from the plaque and tartar cause your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating small pockets. These pockets then fill with more bacteria, plaque, and tartar. As the infection deepens, your body’s immune system tries to fight it, but this can actually lead to the breakdown of the bone and tissue that anchor your teeth.
Signs of Periodontitis
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer.
- Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Pus coming from between your teeth and gums.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Loose or shifting teeth.
Unlike gingivitis, the damage caused by periodontitis is often irreversible. However, with the right treatment, you can stop the disease from getting worse and save your teeth.
Other Types of Gum Disease
While gingivitis and periodontitis are the two most common types, there are also other, less common forms of gum disease:
- Aggressive Periodontitis: This is a rare form of periodontitis that can happen even in healthy people. It progresses very quickly and can lead to rapid bone loss.
- Necrotising Periodontal Diseases: This is a severe type of gum disease that happens when there is a lack of blood supply to the gum tissue, leading to tissue death. It is most often seen in people with weakened immune systems, like those with HIV or malnutrition.
- Periodontitis as a Manifestation of Systemic Diseases: Sometimes, gum disease is a symptom of another health condition, like diabetes, heart disease, or certain blood disorders.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease
Anyone can get gum disease, but certain factors increase your risk of developing it. These are called risk factors.
- Smoking or Vaping: This is one of the biggest risk factors. Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it harder for your gums to heal.
- Poor Oral Hygiene: Regularly not brushing and flossing allows plaque to build up, leading to gum disease.
- Genetics: If your parents or other family members have had gum disease, you might be more prone to it yourself.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation.
- Certain Medications: Some medicines can reduce the flow of saliva, which helps protect your teeth and gums.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Diseases like diabetes and heart disease can increase your risk of gum disease.
- Stress: High levels of stress can weaken your body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off infections.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
The good news is that preventing gum disease is simple and mainly comes down to having a good oral hygiene routine.
- Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a fluoride toothpaste. Brush for at least two minutes, making sure you clean all surfaces of your teeth.
- Floss Once a Day: Flossing removes food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the gum line, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Use Mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help kill germs that cause plaque and gingivitis.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Limit sugary foods and drinks, which can promote the growth of bacteria.
- Don’t Smoke or Vape: Quitting is one of the best things you can do for your gums and your overall health.
- See a Dentist Regularly: Regular checkups and professional cleanings are key to preventing gum disease. The dentist can spot early signs of a problem and remove hardened plaque and tartar that you can’t clean yourself. If you’re in the area, a dentist Williamstown can help you with your regular checkups and professional cleaning.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
It’s essential to know the signs of gum disease so you can catch it early. Don’t ignore these symptoms, even if they seem minor.
- Red, Swollen, or Tender Gums: Healthy gums are firm and pink.
- Bleeding Gums: It’s not normal for your gums to bleed when you brush or floss. This is a key sign of gingivitis.
- Receding Gums: Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Bad breath that doesn’t go away, even after brushing.
- Loose Teeth: This is a sign of advanced periodontitis, indicating that the bone is being destroyed.
- Painful Chewing: A sign that the gums and surrounding tissues are damaged.
- Pus: Pus oozing from the gums is a clear sign of infection.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
The type of treatment you’ll need depends on how advanced your gum disease is. The main goals of treatment are to control the infection and prevent it from getting worse.
Non-Surgical Treatments
For mild to moderate gum disease, the dentist will likely start with non-surgical treatments.
- Professional Dental Cleaning: The dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
- Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep-cleaning procedure. Scaling involves scraping off the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Root planing is a procedure where the dentist smooths the roots of your teeth. This helps prevent bacteria from sticking to the roots and allows your gums to reattach to your teeth.
Surgical Treatments
For advanced periodontitis, non-surgical treatments may not be enough. In these cases, the dentist may recommend surgery.
- Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): The dentist lifts the gums back to remove the tartar that’s deep inside the pockets. The gums are then stitched back around the tooth.
- Bone Grafts: If you have lost bone due to the disease, a bone graft can be used to replace the lost bone. This helps hold your teeth in place and encourages the growth of new, natural bone.
- Soft Tissue Grafts: This procedure can repair receding gums and cover exposed roots. A small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of your mouth and stitched to the area where the gum has receded.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration: This is a surgical procedure that helps regrow the gum tissue and bone that have been destroyed by periodontitis.
The Importance of Regular Dental Checkups
Going to the dentist isn’t just about getting your teeth cleaned; it’s about keeping your entire mouth healthy. A dentist can spot the early signs of gum disease, often before you even notice any symptoms. Catching and treating gingivitis early can save you from a lot of pain and more expensive, complicated treatments down the road. It’s recommended to see the dentist at least once every six months.
How to Maintain Healthy Gums After Treatment
After you’ve had treatment for gum disease, it’s up to you to maintain the health of your gums.
- Follow The Dentist’s Instructions: They will give you specific advice on how to care for your teeth and gums.
- Stick to a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine: Brush twice a day and floss once a day, without fail.
- Keep Up with Regular Cleanings: You may need to visit the dentist more often than every six months for a while to make sure the infection doesn’t return.
Conclusion
Gum disease is a serious issue that can have a major impact on your oral health and even your overall health. But it’s also a problem that you have a lot of control over. By understanding the types of gum disease, knowing the signs to look for, and practising good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk.
If you have any of the symptoms of gum disease, don’t wait. The sooner you get it checked out, the better the outcome. Get in touch with a trusted dental professional at The Dental Studio Williamstown today to book an appointment and get on the path to a healthier smile.