Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. When plaque builds up on the surface of teeth, it releases acids that harm your oral structures. This results in not just the erosion of tooth enamel but also the breakdown and irritation of your gum tissue. Fortunately, there are treatments to prevent tooth loss and further damage to your gum tissue.
Many people think of their teeth when they hear “oral health.” However, the gums play as big of a role in your long-term oral health as your tooth enamel does. Without healthy gums, your teeth have no foundation to stand on. Gum health can directly affect the health of your bone tissue, so it’s incredibly important to maintain consistent at-home oral care and dental visits.
There’s more to a great smile than just your teeth. Your gums play a key role in maintaining the health of your teeth and the jawbone in which they reside. Periodontal disease — more commonly known as gum disease — can impact anyone, and preventing and treating periodontal gum disease is essential to good oral health. It is common to be painless and may be unseen for years until it has advanced and damage is done. X-rays and routine dental exams and cleanings can help intercept the disease before its unrepairable damage is done.
Gum disease is swelling, soreness, or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth caused by bacteria buildup in the mouth. The bacteria creates plaque on teeth, leading to an infection on the gum line. In the advanced stages, dental plaque hardens into tartar, which is impossible to remove by simply brushing and must be treated by a dentist.
There are two forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis means “inflammation of the gums.” It occurs when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Gingivitis often results in bleeding while flossing or brushing.
Severe or long-lasting gingivitis can turn into periodontal disease. There are several types of periodontal disease affecting the gum tissue supporting the teeth. As the disease worsens, the jawbone anchoring the teeth is lost, making the teeth technically loose.
If left untreated, periodontal disease can result in tooth decay, tooth loss, and deterioration of the jawbone, causing ongoing pain and complications. Gum disease has been linked with conditions such as diabetes, strokes, cardiovascular disease, poor pregnancy outcomes, and dementia. While more research is needed to understand these links, there is growing evidence that a healthy mouth can improve your general health.
Symptoms of periodontitis include:
Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may have an early stage of periodontal disease. The disease may affect only certain teeth, such as the molars. By the time patients notice changes or experience systems, the disease has advanced. Only a dental professional can identify all of the warning signs of gum disease.
Along with poor or infrequent brushing of gums and teeth, periodontal disease can be caused by:
Patients can prevent gum disease by practicing proper plaque control. This consists of daily brushing and flossing, which will remove mouth bacteria, and professional cleanings at least twice a year to remove plaque and tartar.
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day. Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush. Replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. Worn-out toothbrushes won’t remove plaque and clean your mouth as well as new ones.
Floss daily. Flossing removes food and plaque from between teeth and under the gum line — places your toothbrush can’t reach. Interdental cleaners, picks, or small brushes can also clean between teeth and along the gum line. Ask your dentist how to use them so you don’t damage your gums.
Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash. According to the American Dental Association, antibacterial rinses can reduce bacteria that cause plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath.
Treating periodontal disease is dependent on stopping active infection. To accomplish this, your dentist may perform a non-surgical, deep-cleaning technique called scaling and root planing.
During scaling, your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. With root planing, your dentist then smoothes out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. You will then be provided with instructions on how to maintain good daily oral health habits to aid healing and prevent gingivitis or periodontal disease from reoccurring.
Your gums are as important to good oral health as your teeth are. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to be assessed for gingivitis and periodontal disease — and to keep a winning smile on your face!
