Gum disease is a common oral health issue that, if ignored, can harm your gums & teeth. It often starts as red, swollen gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, known as gingivitis. If left untreated, it can develop into more serious forms of periodontal disease, eventually leading to tooth loss. Keep reading to learn about the stages, causes, and symptoms of gum disease, as well as treatments and tips to keep your gums healthy.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease refers to an infection and inflammation of the gums (gingiva), the soft tissues that surround the teeth. Healthy gums are pink, firm, and fit snugly around the base of the teeth. In contrast, infected gums become inflamed due to plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that continuously forms on the teeth. Without good oral hygiene, plaque hardens into tartar which can only be removed by a dentist.
If the infection worsens, it spreads to the jaw bone and gum tissues that support the teeth. Eventually, it causes teeth to loosen, fall out, or require removal by a dentist.
Stages of Gum Infection
A gum infection progresses through different stages with escalating severity if not treated early on. Understanding these stages is essential for early detection and treatment.
Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum infection, often caused by bacterial infection from plaque buildup along the gumline. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis. Symptoms include swollen gums that may bleed during brushing and flossing. The damage at this stage is reversible as it has not yet affected the bone and connective soft tissues.
Periodontitis: If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe periodontal disease. At this stage, the irritated gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that trap plaque and food debris, called periodontal pockets. Infection will lead to bone loss; while the damage is irreversible, dental treatment can help slow its progression.
Advanced Periodontitis: In advanced cases, periodontitis causes significant bone loss and severe damage to the tissues and tooth roots. Eventually, the teeth become loose, affecting how you bite and chew. Without intervention, teeth may need to be removed.
Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis
The key differences between gingivitis and periodontitis lie in the severity of the infection and the extent of the damage.
Severity: Gingivitis is mild and often reversible, while periodontitis is a more advanced, irreversible form of gum infection.
Symptoms: Gingivitis usually involves red, swollen gums that may bleed when you brush and floss, while periodontitis causes receding gums, deeper gum pockets, bad breath and loose teeth.
What Causes Gingivitis?
The most common cause of gingivitis is dental plaque, a colorless, sticky biofilm of bacteria and food particles. The bacteria feed on the residual sugars in the mouth and release toxins that irritate the gums, leading to inflammation. If not removed via brushing and flossing, plaque hardens to tartar, making it difficult to clean the gums.
Besides plaque, other gingivitis causes are likely. The American Dental Association notes various risk factors that increase the likelihood of gum inflammation:
Genetics
Smoking and chewing tobacco
Systemic or metabolic disorders such as diabetes
Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause
Misaligned or crooked teeth that are difficult to keep clean
Some medications, such as steroids and calcium channel blockers
Improper fillings and poorly fitting dental appliances, such as dentures
Regardless of the cause, early treatment is crucial to prevent it from progressing to periodontitis.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
Treatment for gum disease treatment depends on its severity:
Professional gingivitis treatment involves dental cleaning to clear out plaque and tartar deposits from teeth and gumline for mild gingivitis.
Improved oral hygiene by brushing twice a day, flossing once daily, and using mouthwash as preventative measures.
Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor your gum health and avoid problems beforehand.
In advanced cases of periodontitis, more invasive procedures may be required:
Deep Cleaning: includes scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar and smoothen the tooth root surfaces to encourage gum healing.
Gum Surgery: helps to reduce periodontal pockets and repair gum tissue.
Bone Grafting: In cases of serious damage to the jaw bone, bone grafting helps regenerate the lost bone.
How to Prevent Gum Disease?
Effective prevention is key to avoiding gum diseases. Here are some tips you can consider:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once daily in order to clean between the teeth, where the toothbrush cannot reach.
Rinse thoroughly with water after every meal. Use mouthwash or mouth rinse as recommended by a dental professional.
Schedule routine dental visits and cleanings to catch any signs of gum disease early.
Quit smoking and tobacco use.
Manage underlying health conditions that increase the risk of gum inflammation.
Adopt a balanced diet rich in nutrients such as vitamin C to support your oral healthcare.
By knowing the causes, symptoms and stages of gum disease, you can adopt proactive measures to prevent it. Treating the early stage of gum disease prevents it from progressing to severe forms. Good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, help maintain healthy gums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to treat gum disease?
Can gum disease be treated at home?
What is the best mouthwash for gum disease?
Can you keep your teeth with periodontitis?
Gum disease treatment depends on the severity. For a mild form of gum disease, professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene are often sufficient. For advanced stages, deep cleaning, gum surgery, or even bone grafting may be required.
Though you can take proactive measures to prevent and reverse gingivitis or the early stage of gum disease, it is crucial to consult a dental professional for diagnosis and treatment.
A mouthwash with antibacterial properties is often recommended for gum disease. Consult your dentist to find what suits your needs.
When you have periodontal disease, the longevity of your teeth depends on early detection and treatment. With proper care, you can manage periodontitis and avoid tooth loss.
