Gum infections, also known as periodontal disease, are very common. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of adults aged 30 years or older show signs of gum disease. The prevalence increases to over 70% in adults 65 years and older. With such high rates, it’s clear that gum infections are a common health concern that should not be ignored.
What causes gum infections?
Gum infections occur when plaque, a sticky film containing bacteria, builds up on teeth. If plaque isn’t removed by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar that can only be removed by a professional cleaning. The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation and infection of the gums.
There are a number of risk factors that can increase someone’s chance of developing gum infections including:
- Poor oral hygiene habits such as infrequent or improper brushing and flossing
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Hormonal changes such as during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause
- Stress
- Medications that cause dry mouth
- Genetics that make someone more susceptible
- Other health conditions like diabetes that compromise the immune system
By brushing thoroughly twice a day, flossing daily, getting regular dental cleanings and exams, and managing risk factors, gum infections can often be prevented.
Types of gum infections
There are several different types of gum infections ranging from mild to severe. The stages of gum disease are:
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest and mildest form. It causes red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
- Periodontitis: Without treatment, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. This causes gums to pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. Bacteria collect in these pockets and release toxins causing further damage. The tissues and bone that support the teeth can eventually be destroyed.
- Advanced periodontitis: In this final stage, the fibers and bone supporting teeth are irreversibly damaged. Teeth may become loose or even fall out.
Other types of gum infections include:
- Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG): Also called trench mouth, this painful infection causes ulcers, bleeding, and foul breath.
- Pericoronitis: This is inflammation of the gum tissue around a partially erupted wisdom tooth.
- Gum abscess: Pus collects in periodontal pockets, creating a painful gum boil.
- Oral thrush: A fungal infection causes creamy white lesions on gums.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of gum infections include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily, especially when brushing or flossing
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus around teeth or gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- A change in the way teeth fit together when biting down
- Pain or sensitivity in teeth
The symptoms may start gradually and become worse over time. People sometimes don’t realize they have gum disease until it reaches more advanced stages.
Risk factors
A number of factors can increase someone’s risk of developing gum infections including:
- Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing properly leads to plaque buildup.
- Smoking or tobacco use: Chemicals in tobacco damage gum tissues.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar impairs the body’s ability to heal and fight infection.
- Medications: Some drugs cause dry mouth or overgrowth of gum tissues.
- Crooked teeth: Misaligned teeth are hard to clean properly.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes increase inflammation.
- Stress: It diminishes the immune system’s ability to fight bacteria.
- Poor nutrition: Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies lower healing ability.
- Genetic factors: Some genes affect susceptibility to gum disease.
- Other diseases: Conditions like AIDS, cancer, and osteoporosis impact immune function.
The more risk factors a person has, the more likely they are to develop some type of gum infection.
Complications
Without treatment, gum infections can lead to a number of serious health problems and complications including:
- Tooth loss: Destruction of bone and fibers makes teeth loose and fall out.
- Decreased bone density: Loss of bone from severe infections increases osteoporosis risk.
- Heart disease: Bacteria from gum infections can enter the bloodstream and stick to arteries.
- Stroke: Gum disease bacteria linked to blood clot formation.
- Diabetes complications: Gum infections make diabetes worse.
- Respiratory infections: Bacteria can travel to and infect the lungs.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An overactive immune response against bacteria may trigger this autoimmune disease.
- Cancer: Some research links gum infections to increased cancer risk.
Treating gum disease promptly reduces the chances of developing related health issues.
Diagnosis
Gum infections are diagnosed by a dentist during a checkup based on an examination of the teeth and gums. They look for signs like gums that bleed easily, have pulled away from the teeth, or have pockets of infection.
The dentist may measure around each tooth using a tool called a periodontal probe. Measurements deeper than 3 millimeters indicate active gum disease. They may take x-rays to see bone or tissue damage not visible during a regular exam.
To determine the exact type of bacteria causing infection, a sample from below the gum line can be sent off to the lab for identification. Knowing the specific microbes involved helps target treatment.
Treatment
Treating gum infections requires removing dental plaque and tartar from teeth and gums. Options include:
- Professional dental cleaning: A dentist or hygienist thoroughly cleans teeth above and below the gum line and removes any tartar. This is known as scaling and root planing.
- Antiseptic or antibacterial rinses: Chemicals like chlorhexidine applied directly to gums kill bacteria and help tissues heal.
- Antibiotic medication: For some types of infections, antibiotics are prescribed to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Laser therapy: Lasers target and destroy bacteria while encouraging tissue regeneration.
- Bone grafts: This procedure replaces bone destroyed by infection. It helps stabilize teeth.
- Tissue grafts: Oral tissue from elsewhere in the mouth is grafted into areas where gum tissue has eroded.
- Extraction: Some severely damaged teeth may need to be pulled and replaced with bridges, implants or dentures.
Treatment is aimed at removing bacteria and restoring support for the teeth. Even with treatment, some damage can be irreversible. That’s why prevention and early intervention are key.
Prevention
Practicing good oral hygiene and having regular dental care are the best ways to prevent gum infections. Recommendations include:
- Brush teeth twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss thoroughly once a day.
- Have professional cleanings every 6 months.
- See a dentist promptly for signs of gum disease.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes.
- Avoid medications that cause dry mouth if possible.
- Get a bite guard if you grind your teeth.
Following these simple prevention guidelines reduces the chances of gum infections.
Natural remedies
There are some natural remedies that may help treat and prevent gum infections when used in combination with professional dental care. However, consult your dentist before trying these or any other home treatments.
- Coconut oil: Swish with virgin coconut oil to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
- Green tea: Rinse with brewed green tea which contains antibacterial compounds.
- Aloe vera: Use gel from the leaves to massage inflamed gums.
- Salt water: Rinse with a solution of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt to reduce swelling and pain.
- Essential oils: Oils like tea tree, peppermint, thyme and clove have antimicrobial properties when applied topically.
- Probiotics: Take supplements or eat foods like yogurt with active cultures to balance oral bacteria.
Always check with a dentist before using natural or alternative treatments for gum infections.
When to see a dentist
See a dentist promptly if you notice any symptoms of a gum infection. Signs to watch for include:
- – Red, swollen, or tender gums
- – Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- – Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- – Persistent bad breath
- – Pus around the teeth or gums
- – Loose or shifting teeth
- – Changes in bite
- – Tooth pain or sensitivity
The sooner gum disease is treated, the better the outcome. Advanced infections may cause permanent damage. Regular dental exams and cleanings can detect problems early. See a dentist if you have any concerns about your oral health.
Prevalence by age
Gum infections become more common with age. The prevalence for different age groups is:
| Age | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| 5-11 years | 4% |
| 12-19 years | 15% |
| 20-34 years | 30% |
| 35-49 years | 40% |
| 50-64 years | 60% |
| 65-74 years | 70% |
| 75+ years | 80% |
This shows gum infections steadily increase with age. The highest rates are in older adults. Proper oral care throughout life reduces the risk.
Prevalence by gender
Gum disease is also somewhat more prevalent in men than women:
- Prevalence in adult men: 56%
- Prevalence in adult women: 38%
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause increase women’s susceptibility. But poor oral hygiene puts males more at risk overall.
Diagnosis and treatment statistics
Some key statistics related to gum infection diagnosis and treatment include:
- 47% of American adults aged 30+ have some form of gum disease.
- 10% of adults have severe gum disease.
- Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
- Less than 50% of periodontitis cases are diagnosed.
- 1 out of 4 people skip their recommended dental cleanings.
- 1 in 5 skip brushing for 24 hours or more.
- Only 40% of Americans floss daily.
- $45 billion are spent treating gum infections and related issues annually.
These statistics show gum infections are underdiagnosed and undertreated despite being so widespread. Improving oral hygiene habits could prevent many cases.
Projected cases
Cases of gum disease are projected to rise in coming years due to factors like:
- Aging population
- Increasing diabetes rates
- Medications causing dry mouth
- Smoking rates in some regions
Estimates predict cases of periodontitis will increase:
- 2020: 743 million cases globally
- 2030: 784 million cases
- 2040: 815 million cases
Efforts to improve oral hygiene and access to dental care, especially for high risk groups, is needed to curb rising infection rates.
Conclusion
Gum infections are extremely common, especially in adults. They range from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis that can lead to tooth loss. Prevention through brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings is essential. If signs of gum disease appear, prompt treatment can prevent permanent damage. Practicing good oral hygiene and seeing a dentist regularly reduces your risk of developing a gum infection.