What Is Gum Disease?

updated on November 15, 2023

  • What Is Gum Disease?

    Have you noticed your gums bleeding recently when you brush or floss? Have you been plagued by bad breath or tender gums? These could be signs of a common dental condition called gum disease.

    Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, refers to inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. There are two main stages of gum disease - gingivitis and periodontitis.

    Gingivitis is the early and milder form of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. This is caused by a buildup of plaque on the teeth, which triggers inflammation and irritation of the gums. If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to more severe periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when inflammation spreads past the gums down to the deeper periodontal tissues and bone that support the teeth. As the disease progresses, the gums pull away from the teeth forming pockets that become infected. The bones and tissues holding the teeth in place are broken down, resulting in tooth loss if not treated.

    Common signs and symptoms of gum disease include bad breath, tender gums, painful chewing, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, receding gums, persistent gum bleeding, and pus around the teeth. If you notice any of these issues, it's important to see your dentist to get evaluated and treated before the disease can progress.

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  • Common Culprits Behind Gum Disease Development

    Now that we've covered what gum disease is, let's discuss what leads to this common dental condition. The primary cause of gum disease is plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth.

    Within 24-72 hours of eating, plaque begins accumulating on the teeth. If effective oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing are not performed, plaque is left undisturbed to thrive on the teeth. The bacteria in plaque secrete acids as they metabolize food sugars, which can erode and damage the outer enamel layer of teeth over time.

    If plaque remains on the teeth longer than 72 hours, it starts to mineralize and harden into tartar. Tartar has a rough texture that irritates the gums and can only be removed professionally by a dentist or hygienist. It builds up along the gumline and tooth roots where toothbrushes cannot reach to disrupt it.

  • The accumulated plaque and tartar provides an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply. As more tartar deposits form from hardened plaque, the constant irritation and inflammation of the gums can cause them to recede from the teeth. If left untreated, this eventually progresses into periodontitis.

    Therefore, the main cause of gum disease is inadequate plaque removal that allows bacteria to continuously adhere to teeth, form tartar, and chronically inflame the gum tissues. Practicing thorough oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily and flossing is key to controlling plaque and preventing gum disease.

    Other factors can also increase one's risk for gum disease, including:

    • Tobacco use - smoking/chewing tobacco reduces the body's ability to fight infection.

    • Ill-fitting dental work - causes excess irritation and traps more plaque.

    • Diabetes - impairs healing and lowers resistance to oral bacteria.

    • Autoimmune disorders - impair the body's ability to defend against bacteria.

    • Poor oral hygiene - allows plaque to build up undisturbed.

  • Prevention and Management of Gum Disease

    The good news is gum disease can often be prevented with proper oral hygiene and treated if caught early. Here are some tips for prevention:

    • Brush teeth thoroughly twice daily and floss once daily to remove plaque buildup before it hardens into tartar.

    • See your dentist every 6 months for a professional cleaning and exam to detect problems early. The dentist can demonstrate proper flossing techniques.

    • Use interdental brushes or water flossers to clean hard-to-reach areas between teeth where brushing alone is not enough.

    • See your dentist right away if gums bleed during brushing or flossing to address gum irritation early.

    • Those at high risk for gum disease need extra diligent home care and 3-4 dental cleanings per year.

    If gum disease is detected, treatment options include:

    • For mild gingivitis, improved oral hygiene of brushing and flossing coupled with regular dental visits can often reverse the condition.

    • For periodontitis, the dentist will measure pocket depths and check for plaque, tartar and bleeding. X-rays examine bone loss. Scaling and root planing clean irritants below the gumline.

    • Antibiotics or antiseptic rinses may be prescribed for bacterial infections.

    • Periodontists can perform gum surgery for serious gum disease not resolved by other treatments. The key is not to delay - seek help promptly if you notice signs of gum disease.

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