Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that can rot and destroy your teeth if left untreated. It is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it will build up at the gumline, causing the gums to become inflamed. This stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, which destroys the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Periodontitis is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Understanding the types, symptoms, causes and treatments of gum disease is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Types of Gum Disease
There are two main stages of gum disease:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the early and milder form of gum disease. It causes redness, swelling and bleeding of the gums. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and improved oral hygiene.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and the inflammation spreads deeper into the tissues surrounding the teeth. The gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. The bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place begin to break down, leading to tooth loss if not treated.
Symptoms
Some common symptoms of gum disease include:
– Red, swollen or tender gums
– Bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating
– Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
– Persistent bad breath
– Pus between the teeth and gums
– Loose or separating teeth
– A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
– Receding gums
The symptoms are usually painless at first and develop slowly. That’s why regular dental exams are important for catching gum disease early.
Causes and Risk Factors
Gum disease is caused by plaque buildup on the teeth that leads to an inflammatory reaction and damage to the tissues around the teeth. Factors that can increase your risk for gum disease include:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Not brushing and flossing properly or thoroughly allows plaque to accumulate along and under the gumline. This plaque causes gingivitis and can eventually lead to periodontitis if not removed.
Smoking or Tobacco Use
Smoking and tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease. Smoking impairs healing and weakens the immune response to plaque bacteria.
Genetics
Some people may be genetically more susceptible to developing gum disease. despite good oral care.
Stress
Chronic stress can diminish the body’s immune response and increase inflammation levels that worsen gum disease.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes in girls/women during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can increase sensitivity to plaque and gum inflammation.
Medical Conditions
Certain conditions like diabetes and HIV/AIDS raise the risk of gum disease. Some medications can also reduce saliva flow and affect oral health.
Unhealthy Diet
A diet low in nutrients can impair immune function and wound healing, making gum tissues more vulnerable to bacterial infection.
Diagnosis
Gum disease is diagnosed through a dental examination. The dentist or dental hygienist will:
– Check for visible signs of gum inflammation and infection
– Measure the spaces between the teeth and gums (pocket depth)
– Assess the extent of attachment loss around each tooth
– Take dental x-rays to check for bone loss
Based on the examination, the dentist will determine the type, severity and extent of gum disease present.
| Stage | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Healthy | No redness, swelling or bleeding. No bone or attachment loss evident on x-rays. |
| Gingivitis (mild) | Some redness, swelling or bleeding. No attachment loss. Pockets 1-3mm deep. |
| Gingivitis (moderate) | More pronounced redness, swelling or bleeding. No attachment loss. Pockets up to 4mm deep. |
| Periodontitis (early) | Redness, swelling, bleeding. Early attachment loss and bone damage on x-rays. Pockets 4-5mm deep. |
| Periodontitis (moderate) | Significant inflammation and bleeding. Attachment and bone loss evident. Pockets 6mm or deeper. |
| Periodontitis (advanced) | Marked redness, swelling, bleeding. Extensive attachment and bone loss. Pockets 6mm or deeper. Loose teeth. |
Treatment
The main goals of treating gum disease are to stop the infection, prevent tooth loss, and preserve the tissues and bone around the teeth. Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the disease.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis can often be reversed through improved daily oral hygiene practices. Professional dental cleaning (scaling and root planing) will remove plaque buildup. Antimicrobial mouth rinses may also be recommended.
Periodontitis Treatment
Treating more advanced periodontitis usually involves deep cleaning below the gumline (scaling and root planing). This may require local anesthesia. Antibiotics or antimicrobial medication may be prescribed to control infection.
For advanced cases, surgery may be needed to reduce deepened pockets and reshape affected gum tissues and bone. Lasers, soft tissue grafts, bone grafts and guided tissue regeneration can help restore areas damaged by periodontitis.
After the inflammation and infection are under control, restorative treatment like dental implants, bridgework or dentures can replace teeth lost to periodontitis. Ongoing dental cleanings and good oral hygiene are essential for preventing recurrence.
Prevention
The best way to avoid gum disease is to prevent plaque buildup that triggers it:
– Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Be sure to brush along the gumline.
– Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth.
– Get professional cleanings and exams every 6 months.
– Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
– Eat a balanced diet for good oral health.
– Manage health conditions like diabetes that increase gum disease risk.
– Use antimicrobial mouthwashes to reduce bacteria.
Practicing diligent oral hygiene and having regular professional care can help keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease from damaging your teeth. Don’t ignore bleeding or sore gums – seek dental care to get any problems treated promptly. Maintaining excellent gum health is a vital part of protecting your smile for life.
Conclusion
Gum disease is a common oral health problem that can have serious consequences for your teeth if not treated properly. Gingivitis, the early and milder form of gum disease, causes gum inflammation and bleeding but is reversible. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis advances and the tissues and bone around teeth are destroyed, leading to tooth loss. Plaque buildup due to poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of gum disease. Other risk factors include smoking, genetics, stress, hormonal changes, chronic illnesses and unhealthy diet. Symptoms like sore, swollen or bleeding gums require prompt dental examination and treatment. Options depend on the type and extent of disease, ranging from professional cleanings and antimicrobials for gingivitis to deep cleanings, antibiotics, gum surgery and tooth replacement for periodontitis. Preventing gum disease relies on daily brushing, flossing and regular dental care to maintain excellent oral hygiene and gum health.