According to the American Dental Association, forty-two percent of all American adults aged thirty or older have mild, moderate, or severe gum disease. Adding to the problem is the harmful myth that if you don’t have cavities, you can’t get gum disease. Unfortunately, dental care is not sought during the early, reversible stages because gum disease begins painlessly.
To find out what we can do about your gum health schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a preventable condition of inflamed or infected soft tissues and bone surrounding your teeth. It usually goes undetected in the initial stages because it causes no symptoms, such as pain. However, if left untreated, gum disease can threaten your oral and general health. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, advanced gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
What is the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease caused by the accumulation of plaque on your teeth. Although this gum inflammation causes no symptoms initially, you may notice bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth after a few days.
If gingivitis is not treated and eliminated, it progresses into a more severe gum disease known as periodontitis. With periodontitis, the inflamed gums pull away from teeth to create pockets that allow the buildup of dental plaque. The result of this plaque accumulation is a gum infection that can progress to affect the surrounding bone.
The main difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional teeth cleaning. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is not reversible but can be treated to maintain your teeth.
What Causes Gum Disease?
There are several possible causes of gum disease, including:
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Plaque buildup. This is the most common cause and results from inadequate toothbrushing, flossing, and professional teeth cleaning.
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Smoking. Smoking weakens your body’s resistance to infections and doubles your risk of gum disease.
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Misaligned teeth. Crooked teeth make it more difficult to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth. Plaque accumulates more easily to cause gum inflammation.
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Hormonal changes. Gums are at a higher risk of inflammation and infection during pregnancy and menstrual cycles.
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Certain medications. Drugs that cause a dry mouth can promote gum disease because saliva protects our teeth and gums from harmful bacteria.
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Poor nutrition. Diets deficient in vitamin C, high in sugar, and inadequate in water can lead to gum disease.
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Medical conditions. Some illnesses such as cancer and diabetes can affect your body’s resistance to dental cavities and gum disease.
What Are the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
It is important to remember that you can have gum disease without any symptoms. This makes regular dental checkups an essential part of teeth and gum health. However, as gum disease progresses, you may notice one or more of these symptoms:
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Bleeding gums when you brush or floss.
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Chronic bad breath.
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Red and swollen gums.
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Sensitive teeth.
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Persistent bad taste.
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Loose teeth.
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Tender gums.
How is Gum Disease Treated?
After a thorough oral examination and assessment of the health of your gums, several treatment options are possible. These treatments are either non-surgical or surgical, depending on the severity of your gum disease.
Non-surgical treatments
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Professional teeth cleaning. This regular dental cleaning can help resolve gingivitis before causing permanent damage to your gums and supporting bone.
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Scaling and root planing. This treatment helps resolve issues associated with pockets that form in moderate gum disease. The procedure often requires dental anesthesia and several appointments to complete.
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Antibiotics. Some antibiotic products have the potential to treat gum disease when placed in the pocket between the teeth and gums.
Surgical treatments
Various periodontal or gum surgery procedures can be used to treat more advanced gum disease issues. These treatments may include soft tissue and bone grafts, bone surgery, and periodontal pocket reduction surgery.
Preventing Gum Disease
Fortunately, you can prevent gum disease by adding these habits:
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Brush your teeth twice daily.
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Floss daily.
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Use anti-bacterial mouthwash.
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Don’t smoke or use other tobacco products.
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Consume a healthy diet.
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Have regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning.