At Shortt Dental, one of our primary goals is to help you maintain a healthy mouth, and that includes preventing and treating gum disease (periodontal disease)
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It usually starts with gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, and if untreated, can progress to periodontitis, which can result in tooth loss. It is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque buildup, but other factors like smoking, diabetes, genetics, and certain medications can increase the risk.
Stages of Periodontal Disease:
1.Gingivitis:
• This is the earliest stage, characterized by inflammation of the gums (gingiva) around the teeth. Symptoms include red, swollen gums that may bleed when brushing or flossing.
• At this stage, the infection is still confined to the gums, and the bone and tissue supporting the teeth are not yet affected.
• Gingivitis can often be reversed with good oral hygiene.
2.Periodontitis:
• If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the infection spreads deeper into the tissues and bone. This stage is more serious and can lead to the loss of tooth-supporting bone and tissue.
• Symptoms may include gum recession, pockets forming between the teeth and gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and a shift in the position of the teeth.
• At this point, professional treatment is necessary
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease:
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums (gums pulling away from teeth)
• Loose teeth
• Changes in bite or tooth alignment
• Pockets between teeth and gums
Causes and Risk Factors:
• Poor oral hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly leads to plaque buildup, which harbors bacteria that can infect the gums.
• Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco weakens the immune system and makes it harder to fight off gum infections.
• Genetics: Some people may be genetically predisposed to gum disease.
• Diabetes: Uncontrolled diabetes can make it harder to fight infections, including gum disease.
• Medications: Certain medications can affect oral health by reducing saliva flow or causing gum overgrowth.
• Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can affect gum health.
• Poor nutrition: A lack of essential nutrients, especially vitamin C, can increase the risk.
How to Help Prevent and Treat Periodontal Disease:
1. Good Oral Hygiene:
• Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle strokes to avoid irritating your gums.
• Flossing: Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between your teeth and below the gumline, where a toothbrush can’t reach.
• Mouthwash: Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
2. Regular Dental Checkups:
• Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and checkups. Your dentist or hygienist can remove plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t reach with brushing and flossing alone. Early detection of gum disease can help prevent more serious problems.
3. Quit Smoking or Using Tobacco:
• Tobacco use significantly increases your risk for gum disease, as it impairs blood flow to the gums and weakens your immune system. Quitting can improve your gum health and overall well-being.
4. Healthy Diet:
• A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can strengthen your immune system and improve your oral health. Specifically, foods high in vitamin C (like citrus fruits and leafy greens) help support healthy gums.
5. Manage Health Conditions:
• If you have conditions like diabetes, make sure they are well-controlled, as these can increase your risk for gum disease. Work with your healthcare provider to manage these conditions effectively.
6. Professional Treatment:
• Scaling and Root Planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to help the gums reattach.
• Antibiotic Treatment: Your dentist may recommend antibiotic gels, rinses, or even oral antibiotics to control bacterial infection.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, procedures such as flap surgery or bone grafts may be necessary to restore the bone and tissue that has been lost due to the disease.
7. At-Home Care:
• Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective at removing plaque and reducing gum inflammation compared to manual brushing.
• If your gums bleed when brushing, it’s important to continue brushing and flossing gently to remove plaque, as stopping can actually make the problem worse.
Why It’s Important to Treat Periodontal Disease:
If untreated, periodontal disease can lead to:
• Tooth loss due to the destruction of the bone and tissue that support the teeth.
• Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other systemic health problems, as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body.
• Difficulty chewing and speaking as a result of tooth loss or gum recession.
Taking action early and maintaining good oral hygiene habits is the best way to prevent and treat periodontal disease. Regular dental visits are crucial for early detection, as gum disease often progresses without noticeable pain until it’s more advanced.