According to the CDC, gum disease is a serious problem for many adults in the United States. 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have periodontal disease, which can lead to gum inflammation, tooth loss, and even heart disease. The good news is that gum disease is preventable with proper oral hygiene and regular dental visits.
Table of Contents
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue that can destroy the gum and bone supporting your teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar (calculus). Tartar promotes gum disease because it is difficult to remove without professional help and provides a place for bacteria to hide.
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease.
What causes gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. This means not brushing your teeth properly, not flossing, and not getting regular dental cleanings. Other risk factors include:
- Smoking and other tobacco use
- Poor diet/nutrition
- Stress
- Hormonal changes (such as during pregnancy)
How do you prevent periodontal disease?
Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help remove plaque from teeth and gums, and regular dental visits can help identify any problems early. Cleanings can help you prevent gum disease and also treat it in its early stages. If you think you may have gum disease, be sure to see your dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.
Left untreated, periodontal/gum disease will only get worse. It can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems such as heart disease. Don’t wait to take action – start preventing gum disease today!
Signs to look for
One way to prevent gum disease is to know signs and symptoms and to be on the lookout for them. Here is a list of things to look for.
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between your gum and tooth
If you notice any of these signs, see your dentist as soon as possible. Early treatment is key to preventing gum disease from getting worse.
Gingivitis
This is the earliest stage of gum disease. At this point, gums are red and swollen but can be reversed with good oral hygiene and proper dental care.
Periodontitis
This is the more advanced stage of gum disease. Gums are severely inflamed and begin to pull away from teeth. This can lead to bone loss and tooth loss if not treated.
When the disease advances to this stage, there is not much that can be done to reverse the effects. You can only treat it at that point.
How do you treat periodontitis or gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you need to get periodontal treatment from a dentist. They will develop a treatment plan based on the severity of your gum disease. Treatment options include:
Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning of your teeth and gums that removes tartar below the gumline.
Antibiotics: These can be in the form of a pill, mouthwash, or gel. They help to reduce inflammation and fight infection.
Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove tartar buildup or repair damage caused by gum disease.
Summary
Gum disease is a serious problem but it is preventable with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits. Be sure to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly. If you think you may have gum disease, don’t wait to get treatment. The sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome will be. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
If you’re concerned about gum disease, the best thing to do is schedule an appointment with your dentist. They’ll be able to evaluate the severity of your gum disease and develop a treatment plan for you.
