What is Gum Disease?
Nearly half the adults in the US have some form of gum disease, or gingivitis, an infection in the gums caused by bacteria and characterized by inflammation. Early on, symptoms of gum disease are usually mild. When allowed to progress, however, gingivitis develops into periodontitis, a condition that affects more than just the gums. Gingivitis begins when bacteria within dental plaque irritate the gum tissue, usually causing symptoms like swelling, redness, or bleeding during flossing or brushing – though in some cases, gingivitis shows no symptoms at all. If not treated, gingivitis can progress and turn into periodontitis. Periodontitis develops as plaque and tartar accumulate below the gum line, causing inflammation in the underlying tissues of the periodontium, which is the collection of specialized tissues that support and protect the teeth, including the gums, connective ligaments, jawbone, and dental cementum.
As periodontitis progresses, the gums recede and create a pocket between the tooth surface and gums, forming an ideal breeding ground for additional bacteria. The tooth roots can also become visible and sensitive as the gums recede, and, eventually, the teeth might loosen as the bone is affected and could even fall out. Additionally, periodontitis can also contribute to systemic health issues like diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Clearly, intercepting gingivitis before it progresses, or preventing gingivitis entirely, is optimal – but what’s the best way to do this?
Ultimately, the best way to prevent gum disease is with effective oral hygiene habits. There are two distinct components to this: home hygiene and routine dental visits. This means brushing the teeth at least twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and flossing or otherwise cleaning between the teeth at least once a day, but it also means making sure to see the dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. Sometimes, the symptoms of gum disease can be difficult to detect, especially early on, when it’s easiest to reverse the effects and return the gums to health. In these instances, a dental checkup is integral to diagnosis and allows early treatment. In addition to playing a crucial role in diagnosis, regular dental visits include professional cleanings, which are also crucial to the prevention of gingivitis.
While home hygiene is largely effective, even the most conscientious brushers can’t remove every trace of plaque, and it’s natural for some plaque to remain after brushing and flossing. This is where dental hygienists come in. Using professional tools, dental hygienists can effectively remove built-up tartar and help discourage additional tartar from forming, allowing gingival inflammation to subside. This could reverse early gingivitis. When periodontitis has already developed, a scaling and root planing procedure, also known as a dental deep clean, can help inflammation subside and halt the disease’s progression, though additional procedures might be necessary if tissue damage is too severe.
There are several factors that increase the risk of gum disease beyond poor oral hygiene. These include sugary or starchy diets, smoking or otherwise using tobacco, some chronic health issues, substance abuse, immune disorders, dramatic hormonal fluctuations, certain nutrient deficiencies, and even simple things like stress and aging. In these cases, regular dental exams are even more important, and you and your dentist can work out a prevention plan or treatment plan that helps you keep your oral health and your teeth for the long haul.
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