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Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection and inflammation of the gums and the structures supporting the teeth. It is a widespread issue, affecting nearly half of adults over 30 in the United States alone, with severe cases impacting around 9% of the population.
Understanding gum disease is crucial for maintaining oral health, as it can lead to severe complications such as tooth loss and can worsen other chronic conditions like diabetes.
In this article, we’ll provide you with information about gum disease, its causes, how to prevent it, and its treatment options.
Gum disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and bones supporting the teeth. It ranges from mild inflammation (gingivitis) to severe damage to the soft tissue and bone (periodontitis).
The most common cause of gum disease is plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth.
If not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. The bacteria in plaque and tartar cause inflammation and infection of the gums.
Several factors increase the risk of developing gum disease, such as:
Visiting your dentist twice a year is a proven method to prevent gum disease. Routine check-ups allow for early detection of gum disease and other oral health issues, and professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar missed by regular brushing and flossing.
If you can’t see your dentist regularly, practice proper toothbrushing to ensure plaque is effectively removed from all surfaces of the teeth.
Here are our tips for proper brushing techniques:
The correct flossing technique involves using a string of floss about two feet long, wrapping it around the middle fingers, and gripping it between the thumb and index fingers.
Gently ease it between the teeth until it reaches the gumline. The floss should be curved like the letter ‘C’ around each tooth and slid up and down under the gum.
A healthy diet plays a significant role in promoting healthy gums. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, support good oral hygiene and help prevent gum disease.
You can also quit smoking to greatly reduce the risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis. Smoking impairs blood flow to the gums and can affect the immune response.
We also recommend incorporating stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep into your routine to support overall health, including oral health.
Finding gum problems early is very important to prevent their worsening. By checking your mouth yourself for signs and seeing a dentist, you can keep your mouth healthy and avoid serious problems.
Here are some signs to look for when doing self-examination:
At your dental check-up, your dentist will learn more about your overall health to see if anything might be affecting your gums. Then, they’ll take a close look at your mouth to check for any swelling, redness, or sores.
They’ll also measure the space between your teeth and gums—deeper spaces can be a sign of gum disease. Finally, they might take X-rays to check for damage to the bone underneath your gums, which can happen with advanced gum disease.
Modern dental practices use various diagnostic tools to detect gum disease:
Fortunately, different treatment options for gum disease are available. Non-surgical treatment options include scaling and root planing.
Your dentist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gumline. The procedure may require local anesthesia to minimize discomfort and can take multiple.
Antibiotics are particularly effective in reducing bacterial load and inflammation, which helps in the healing process. They can be administered orally or applied directly to the gums, depending on the severity of the condition.
Surgical treatment options for gum disease include:
Guided tissue regeneration—This procedure involves placing a special membrane between the bone and gum tissue, allowing the bone and connective tissue to regenerate. It’s useful in treating advanced cases of periodontitis where significant bone loss has occurred.
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