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Gum Disease 101: What You Need to Know About Treatment and Prevention

Updated: Jul 22


Gum disease

So your gums are sore, red, and swollen. You've got gum disease, and you need to take action now before it gets worse. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other health issues. The good news is there are steps you can take to beat gum disease and keep your smile and health intact. This guide will give you the lowdown on how to prevent and treat gum disease so you can maintain a healthy mouth for life.


Table of contents

  • What Is Gum Disease? Defining Gingivitis and Periodontitis

  • Causes and Risk Factors for Gum Disease

  • Signs and Symptoms - How to know if you have Gum Disease

  • Gum Disease Treatment Options: Non-Surgical and Surgical

  • Preventing Gum Disease Through Proper Oral Care and Hygiene

  • Conclusion


 

What Is Gum Disease? Defining Gingivitis and Periodontitis


Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, refers to inflammation of the gums and bones that surround and support your teeth. There are two main stages: gingivitis and periodontitis.


Gingivitis is the milder and more common form. It causes your gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. The good news is it's often reversible with proper brushing and flossing. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis.


Periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, damages the soft tissue and bone that

support your teeth. Your gums pull away from your teeth, forming pockets that become

infected This can lead to bad breath, loose or shifting teeth, and even tooth loss. The damage from periodontitis is permanent, but treatment can help prevent further progression.

 

Causes and Risk Factors for Gum Disease


Gum disease doesn't just happen overnight. Several factors contribute to its development and increase your risk.


One of the biggest culprits is poor oral hygiene. Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque to build up, harden into tartar, and irritate your gums. Make sure to brush twice a day and floss at least once to remove debris from between teeth.


Certain health conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS can also increase your chances of gum disease. These diseases make it harder for your body to fight infections, including those in the gums. If you have a chronic illness, be extra vigilant about your dental health.


Smoking and vaping are terrible for your gums. Tobacco use reduces blood flow to the gums, making it nearly impossible for them to heal themselves. The best thing you can do is quit. Your gums will thank you.


Genetics play a role as well. If your parents or siblings have a history of gum disease, you're more prone to developing it yourself. In that case, work closely with your dentist to catch any signs early.

 

Signs and Symptoms - How to know if you have Gum Disease


Do you have swollen, red gums that bleed when you brush or floss? These are common symptoms of gum disease. As gum disease progresses, you may notice other signs that your teeth and gums are not as healthy as they should be. Recognizing the symptoms is key to catching gum disease early and preventing further damage.


Swollen, bleeding, gums

If your gums are swollen, sore, or bleed when brushing or flossing, you likely have gum

inflammation or gingivitis. This is the earliest stage of gum disease and the ideal time to take action. See your dentist right away for professional cleaning and recommendations to improve your oral health regimen.


Receding gums

As gum disease worsens to periodontitis, your gums will pull away from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth or tooth root. Receding gums cannot regrow, so treating gum disease and preventing further recession is critical.


Loose or shifting teeth

When your gums and bone supporting your teeth are damaged by gum disease, your teeth become loose or shift in your mouth. This can lead to tooth loss if not properly treated. See your dentist immediately for diagnosis and to discuss options to save your natural teeth.


Bad breath

Chronic bad breath can be a symptom of gum disease. As bacteria build up in your mouth and gums, they release foul-smelling gasses. Bad breath may not go away with breath mints or mouthwash alone. See your dentist to determine if gum disease contributes to your bad breath and how to resolve the underlying problem.


The best way to know if you have gum disease is through a comprehensive exam with your dentist. They can check for visible signs of gum disease as well as take X-rays to check for any bone loss around your teeth. The earlier gum disease is caught, the more successful treatment can be. Don't ignore the warning signs - your oral and overall health depend on it.

 

Gum Disease Treatment Options: Non-Surgical and Surgical


If your dentist has diagnosed you with gum disease, the good news is there are treatment

options available depending on the severity. The earlier it's caught, the less invasive the

treatment.


Non-Surgical Treatments

For mild to moderate gum disease, your dentist will likely first recommend non-surgical

treatment before pursuing surgery.

  • Professional dental cleanings: Deeper and more frequent cleanings, often called "scaling and root planing", to remove built-up plaque and tartar. Your hygienist will scrape and buff our teeth down to the roots

  • Antimicrobial mouthwashes: Prescription mouthwashes with chlorine dioxide or chlorhexidine can help reduce inflammation and kill the bacteria causing infection. Use as directed to improve your oral health.

  • Antibiotic therapy: For some cases of gum disease, a course of oral antibiotics may be used in combination with dental cleanings to eliminate infection-causing bacteria. Follow your dentist's dosage and timing instructions carefully.

Surgical Treatments

For advanced gum disease with significant bone or tissue loss, your dentist may recommend surgical treatment to stop its progression.

  • Flap surgery: Your gums are lifted back to remove built-up tartar and plaque. The gums are then sutured back into place, sometimes over bone grafts to encourage regeneration. This reduces pocket depth and prevents further damage.

  • Tissue grafts: For areas where gum tissue has receded, tissue from the roof of your mouth can be transplanted to build up and strengthen thin or receded gums. This protects exposed roots and stops sensitivity.

  • Bone grafts: Where bone loss has occurred, bone from other areas of the mouth or synthetic material can be used to build up and strengthen the jawbone. This provides stability for teeth and oral tissues

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, whether non-surgical or surgical, gum disease can often be stopped or reversed before causing major damage. Be sure to follow your dentist's at-home care recommendations carefully to keep your gums and teeth healthy for life.

 

Preventing Gum Disease Through Proper Oral Care and Hygiene

To prevent gum disease, you must practice good oral care and hygiene daily. This means brushing your teeth at least twice per day with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, flossing between each tooth to remove plaque and food particles, and limiting sugary and starchy foods that feed the bacteria in your mouth.


Following these simple steps every day is the best way to prevent gum disease and maintain good oral health over time, Be diligent, take it slow, and develop the habit of an effective oral care routine. Your gums and teeth will thank you for it.

 

Conclusion

You now have the knowledge to prevent and treat gum disease! As you explore dental products or search for a 'dentist near me', keep these insights in mind. Your journey toward optimal oral health begins with the right tools and a steadfast commitment to maintaining a bright and beautiful smile.


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