Understanding Gum Disease

Sharee Kavanagh
Dec 13, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Dec 14, 2024

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious condition that can affect the tissues surrounding your teeth. It typically begins when the bacteria in plaque irritates and inflames the gums. If left untreated, this can lead to damage to the gum tissue, tooth loss and other complications.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis. This is marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing and/or flossing. Damage is still reversible with good oral hygiene.
Periodontitis: The inflammation spreads to the deeper structures supporting the teeth. At this stage pockets form between the gums and teeth. Bone may begin to deteriorate, causing teeth to loosen or shift.
Advanced Periodontitis: This is the most severe form. At this stage there is extensive damage to the gums and bone. Teeth may become loose and even fall out.

Causes of Gum Disease

The primary cause of gum disease is from the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth due to poor oral hygiene. There is also other factors that may contribute to its development.

Smoking or Chewing Tobacco
Poor Nutrition
Certain Health Conditions
Medications
Genetics

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease can present itself in many different ways. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Bleeding Gums: Gums may bleed when brushing or flossing in the early stages.
Red or Swollen Gums: Red, swollen, or tender gums, could indicate inflammation.
Bad Breath (Halitosis): Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth can be a sign of gum disease.
Receding Gums: Gums that begin to pull away from your teeth, can lead to pockets forming where bacteria can accumulate.
Loose Teeth: Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth mobility which is related to the loss of bone and tissue support.
Painful Chewing: As gum disease progresses, chewing may become painful due to inflammation and loss of bone density around your teeth.

How to Treat Gum Disease

The treatment for gum disease depends on the severity of the condition. Early stages of gum disease, can often be reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional care. More advanced cases may require intensive treatment which aims to manage infection and prevent further damage.

1. Professional Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

For Gingivitis: A professional cleaning will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the teeth and below the gum line. Scaling removes tartar, and root planing smooths the roots of the teeth to promote healing.
For Periodontitis: Scaling and root planing is used to treat deeper pockets and reduce the risk of further bone loss.

2. Antibiotics

In some cases, your dentist may recommend topical or oral antibiotics to help control the infection.

3. Surgical Procedures

Flap Surgery (Pocket Reduction Surgery): If the pockets between the gums and teeth are too deep to clean, a flap surgery may be performed. Here the gums are lifted back to allow the dentist to remove tartar and reduce deep pockets.
Bone and Tissue Grafts: In cases where there’s significant bone loss, bone grafting or soft tissue grafting may be recommended. The plan here is to restore lost structures and promote regeneration of bone or gum tissue.

4. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy targets infected tissue while promoting the regeneration of healthy gums.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Prevention of gum disease is all about good oral hygiene habits and addressing risk factors early. Here are some steps to keep your gums healthy:

Brush Your Teeth Regularly
Floss Daily
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Eat a Balanced Diet
Avoid Tobacco
Visit Your Dentist Regularly
Manage Health Conditions

Conclusion

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition. With early detection and proper treatment, it is possible to manage and even reverse the damage. Take action at the first signs of gum disease and schedule an appointment to get checked out before the problem becomes more severe.

Taking care of your gums will not only promote a beautiful smile, it will also maintaining your overall health and well-being.