What is Gum Disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing helps to get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden to form “tartar” which is difficult to be removed with brushing alone. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque-and tartar build up. Other factors that have the potential to cause gum disease may include:
Gum Treatment
- Tobacco use
- Clenching or grinding your teeth
- Certain medications
- Genetics
How do I know if I have gum disease?
- Red, bleeding, and/or swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Mobile/loose teeth
- Tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums
- Abscessed teeth
- Tooth loss
How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?
- Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste).
- Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Or use a device such as a special brush or wooden or plastic pick recommended by a dental professional.
- Visit the dentist routinely for check-ups and professional cleaning.
- Avoid smoking.
Treatments for Gum Disease
Depending on the type of gum disease, some of the available treatment options are:
Removal of plaque and calculus by way of scaling done by your dental hygienist or dentist.Medications such as chlorhexidine gluconate, a mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist or hygienist to help kill the bacteria in your mouth, along with frequent cleanings.
Surgery may be necessary in certain cases to stop, halt, or minimize the progression of periodontal disease. Surgery is also used to replace bone that was lost in advanced stages of the disease.
It is important to take good care of your gums to make sure that germs can be eliminated and gum disease can be avoided. Careless attitudes in cleaning the teeth and gums can lead to gum disease which is painful and leading to problems. If you cannot control the problems of gum disease then you must seek help from a dentist.
What causes gum disease?
Improper oral hygiene that allows bacteria in plaque and calculus to remain on the teeth and infect the gums is the primary cause of gum disease. But there are other factors that increase the risk of developing gingivitis. Here are some of the most common risk factors:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco prevents the gum tissue from being able to heal.
- Crooked, rotated, or overlapping teeth create more areas for plaque and calculus to accumulate and are harder to keep clean.
- Hormonal changes in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause typically correlate with a rise in gingivitis. The increase in hormones causes the blood vessels in the gums to be more susceptible to bacterial and chemical attack. At puberty, the prevalence of gingivitis ranges between 70%-90%.
- Cancer and cancer treatment can make a person more susceptible to infection and increase the risk of gum disease.
- Alcohol negatively affects oral defense mechanisms.
- Stress impairs the body's immune response to bacterial invasion.
- Mouth breathing can be harsh on the gums when they aren't protected by the lips, causing chronic irritation and inflammation.
- Poor nutrition, such as a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates and low in water intake, will increase the formation of plaque. Also, a deficiency of important nutrients such as vitamin C will impair healing.
- Diabetes mellitus impairs circulation and the gums ability to heal.
- Medications such as antiseizure medications increase the risk for gum disease.
- Infrequent or no dental care
- Poor saliva production