A Guide to Treating and Preventing Gum Inflammation

Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, is a condition characterized by red, swollen, and irritated gums. It’s often a precursor to more severe gum diseases like periodontitis. 

It’s often caused by plaque, a soft, sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. If it’s not removed by brushing, flossing, and/ or regular professional cleanings, it can harden into tartar (calculus). This buildup irritates your gums, causing inflammation.

How Can You Prevent Gum Inflammation?

The best way to prevent gum inflammation is simply to take good care of your gums. We compiled a list of ways you can do that:

• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes
• Use gentle circular motions and angle your toothbrush towards the gum line
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid damaging your gums
• Remember to brush your tongue
• Floss regularly and use mouthwash to clean places your toothbrush can’t reach

Visiting your dentist every six months can also help detect the early signs of inflammation and treat them before they get worse. Regular dental cleanings can remove plaque while maintaining your oral health.

Lifestyle Changes You Can Make for Healthy Gums

Preventing gum inflammation isn’t just about maintaining your oral health, it’s also about your lifestyle choices. If you smoke or use tobacco products, consider quitting to improve your oral health. 

A healthy, well-balanced diet can also help prevent gum inflammation and manage conditions like diabetes, which are linked to gum disease. Additionally, drinking plenty of water throughout the day promotes saliva production, which helps to wash away bacteria and food debris.

You should avoid eating sugary and acidic foods because they can increase your gum disease risk. Here are some foods that you can eat to keep your gums healthy:

• Leafy greens and fruits
• Omega-3 fatty acid from fish
• Garlic and onions
• Dairy products and probiotics

Stress can also take a toll on your gums so try taking steps to manage your stress. Consider exercise, relaxation techniques, /and prioritizing sleep.

Signs of Gum Disease

Fortunately, gum inflammation is reversible. If you notice any signs or symptoms of gum disease or inflammation, be sure to visit your dentist.

These signs include:

• Redness and swelling
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Persistent bad breath or taste
• Loose or shifting teeth

What are the Risk Factors for Gum Inflammation?

Although plaque is the primary cause of gum inflammation, there are other factors that can increase your risk of gum inflammation. This includes:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking/tobacco use
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Medications that can reduce saliva flow
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, etc.

Stages of Gum Disease

Gum disease doesn't happen overnight, and understanding its stages helps you catch the problem early:

• Gingivitis — The earliest stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. This stage is often reversible.
• Periodontitis — Your gums start pulling away from your teeth, forming infected pockets. This leads to progressive bone loss around your teeth.
• Advanced periodontitis — The most severe stage of gum disease. It destroys the fibers and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease

Treatment for gum disease typically depends on the stage of the infection, your overall health, and how your body responded to earlier treatment. The primary goal is to control the infection and prevent it from worsening.

In the early stages of gum disease, your dentist will typically recommend brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings. However, if the problem has progressed to periodontitis, your dentist may recommend:

• Scaling and root planing — A deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar buildup on the gum line. Rough spots on the roots are also smoothed to promote healing and prevent future bacterial attachment.
• Antibiotics or antiseptics — Topical antiseptics, oral antibiotics, or antiseptic mouthwashes tackle bacterial infection and inflammation.
• Laser therapy — Sometimes used in conjunction with scaling and root planing, specific lasers help reduce the bacteria involved in gum disease and may encourage healing.

Treatment Options for Advanced Gum Disease

Your dentist may recommend surgical interventions to prevent tissue and bone damage for advanced gum disease. These include:

• Flap surgery — Involves temporarily lifting the gums to access deeper areas to remove tartar and trapped bacteria. The gums are then sutured back into place. 
• Grafting procedures — Bone grafts and soft tissue grafts may be necessary to regenerate bone lost to the infection or to reinforce receding gums.
• Guided tissue regeneration — This procedure helps to promote the regrowth of gum tissue and bone lost due to infection.
• Tissue-stimulating proteins — Some treatments involve stimulating bone and gum tissue growth with a special gel containing proteins naturally occurring in healthy tooth enamel.

Why Should You Take Gum Disease Seriously?

Gum inflammation and gum disease can affect your overall health. If left untreated, you may be at risk of conditions like:

• Heart disease, clots, and strokes
• Poor control in diabetic patients
• Respiratory illness
• Premature labor and low birth weight in pregnant people