29th October 2024,

 

A commonly asked question we receive as dentists is, “What is gum disease and how to prevent it?” In this blog post, we’ll explore gum disease, its signs and symptoms, and discuss proper oral hygiene practices and lifestyle habits which help to make it largely preventable.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a severe infection of the structures that support your teeth, including the gums, bone, and connective tissues. It starts with gingivitis, a mild form of gum inflammation due to plaque buildup and can progress to periodontitis if left untreated. With periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from the teeth, forming little pockets. Bacteria and toxins in these pockets can break down bone and connective tissue, which (in severe cases) may ultimately lead to tooth loss. It generally progresses in two stages:

1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s caused by plaque buildup at the gumline, leading to red, swollen, and bleeding gums. At this stage, the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place are not yet affected, making gingivitis reversible with proper treatment and care.

2. Periodontitis

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis (advanced gum disease), a more severe condition in which the gums pull away from the teeth, creating ‘pockets’. Bacteria and toxins break down the bone and connective tissues that support the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss. Periodontitis requires more advanced treatments, at times surgery, to allow sufficient cleaning below the gumline to stabilise the condition and stop the progression of bone loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Gum disease often progresses without pain, sometimes making it difficult to detect without regular dental checkups. However, there are a few key symptoms to watch for:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
• Receding gums (teeth may appear longer than usual)
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in your bite or how your teeth fit together

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential that you visit your dentist for a gum health assessment.

How to Prevent Gum Disease

Prevention is about maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine and caring for your gums. Here’s what you can do to help protect your gums and avoid the development of gum disease:

1. Brush Twice Daily: Brushing your teeth at least twice a day removes plaque from the surfaces of your teeth and along the gumline. Use a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste, and replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.

2. Floss Daily: Flossing is essential for cleaning between your teeth and beneath the gumline, areas your toothbrush can’t reach. By flossing daily, you remove food particles and plaque below the gumline, which could contribute to gum disease.

3. Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash can help control bacteria in hard-to-reach places, offering extra protection against gum disease.

4. Regular Dental Checkups and Cleans: Schedule routine 6-monthly checkups and cleans with your dentist. These include a comprehensive examination and professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup and help identify early signs of gum disease before it becomes a bigger problem.

5. Stop Smoking: Smoking increases a significant risk for gum disease, even milder cases. It weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections, including those that affect your gums. Here’s how smoking contributes to the progression

• Reduced Blood Flow to the Gums: Smoking decreases blood flow to the gums, which limits the supply of oxygen and essential nutrients needed for healthy gum tissue.
• Weakening the Immune Response: Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that suppress the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight off bacteria in the mouth that cause gum infections. Smokers are also more prone to inflammation, which contributes to the progression of periodontal disease.
• Increased Plaque and Tartar Buildup: Smoking promotes the growth of plaque bacteria, which are responsible for gum inflammation. Additionally, smokers tend to have more tartar buildup, which, if not removed, can lead to pockets forming between the teeth and gums, which is a sign of advanced gum disease.

Treatment Options

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, don’t worry—we’ve got you! Early-stage gingivitis can be treated with professional cleaning and improved at-home oral hygiene habits. For more severe cases, your dentist may recommend the following:

• Periodontal treatment: A deep cleaning procedure undergone by referring you to a specialist Periodontist
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be used to treat acute gum inflammation and reduce bacteria in infected areas
• Surgical options: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be required, including gum grafts or pocket reduction surgery. A specialist periodontist would discuss and treat this if necessary.

The earlier gum disease is caught, the easier it is to treat, which is why regular dental visits are so important. Gum disease is largely preventable with the right approach. We hope that this blog, ‘What is Gum Disease and How to Prevent It?’, has provided you with a little insight into this common dental issue and some tips on early intervention and prevention.

If you experience any of the symptoms above or are wondering about your gum health, contact one of our friendly dentists today. You can also book an appointment online, 24/7.