Gum disease is defined as the inflammation and infection of the gums and alveolar bone, which is the bone supporting the position of the teeth. It can be the result of not maintaining good oral hygiene, although some people are unfortunately more prone than others to developing infection in their gums.
The symptoms of gum disease can be varied and so are the treatments to resolve it. We’ll look into the warning signs and treatments in this blog.
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Understanding Gum Disease: From Gingivitis to Periodontitis
Gum disease develops in stages, and understanding where you are on that spectrum is key to getting the right treatment:
- Gingivitis is the earliest stage, indicated by redness or puffiness of the gums, which may bleed on brushing or flossing. The good news is that gingivitis is totally reversible with an improvement to dental care at home and potentially a scale and clean appointment with a hygienist.
- Periodontitis is the more advanced stage, when bacteria has settled under the gums and begun to affect the bone and ligaments supporting the teeth. If left to worsen, the gums, bone and ligaments can erode, leading to pain, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.
Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth if it is not brushed away. Warning signs to watch for include:
- Bleeding or tender gums when brushing or flossing
- Swelling or redness along the gumline
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t resolve with regular brushing
- A receding gumline, which can also cause increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures as parts of the tooth not protected by enamel become exposed
- Loose teeth or new gaps, a sign of more advanced periodontitis that should never be ignored
Noticing tenderness or bleeding does not have to be the start of an unstoppable journey toward gum disease. Gingivitis can be totally reversed with an elevated oral hygiene routine.
Professional Treatment: The Path to Healthy Gums
The treatment for gum disease depends on its severity, with the aim of managing any existing disease and preventing further escalation.
For gingivitis, a dentist may recommend:
- Professional cleaning by a dental hygienist to remove bacteria trapped by plaque and tartar
- Personalised advice on improving your home care routine
- Follow-up check-up appointments to maintain your new level of cleanliness
For periodontitis, treatment may involve:
- Professional Mechanical Plaque Removal (PMPR), a deeper cleaning process previously known as scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar from visible areas of the teeth as well as below the gumline. This may take several appointments and may require a local anaesthetic.
- Medication, such as a prescription mouthwash, antibiotics, or a topical antibiotic gel for the gums, to manage the disease and prevent its escalation.
Maintaining Gum Health at Home
The first step in preventing gum disease or preventing its return is a robust oral hygiene routine at home, which may take as little as five minutes per day. Key habits include:
- Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush, using short strokes at a forty-five-degree angle towards the gumline for maximum plaque removal.
- Cleaning between your teeth with a combination of floss, interdental brushes and an antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent plaque build-up and hardening into tartar.
- Limiting sugary drinks and snacks, as bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar deposits, producing acids that contribute to decay and gum disease.
- Avoiding smoking, which weakens the immune system and reduces your ability to fight off infection or inflammation in the gums.
The Link Between Gum Health and Overall Tooth Whiteness
While gum disease does not directly cause tooth discolouration, the two are closely connected through poor oral hygiene. Here’s how gum disease can affect the appearance of your teeth:
- Plaque and tartar build-up on and between the teeth, as well as below the gumline, can make teeth appear yellow or brown.
- Gum recession exposes lower parts of the tooth that are naturally darker, making the whole tooth appear a deeper shade.
- Bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate the gums, causing the infection and inflammation known as gum disease. By contrast, healthy pink gums enhance the natural white appearance of your teeth.
Closing Thoughts
Gum disease can have unpleasant, uncomfortable and unsightly consequences, but it can largely be prevented with stringent dental hygiene at home and regular dental check-ups. If you notice puffiness, tenderness, bleeding when brushing or flossing, or sudden tooth looseness, consult a dentist promptly.
In its early stages, gum disease is entirely reversible. Prevention is also almost always cheaper and more comfortable than treatment, so the team at Dental @ Niddrie urge you to stay on top of your routine before things get out of hand.
We can easily advise you on where to elevate your oral hygiene for the best outcomes for your teeth and gums. Give us a call and see what we can do to help.
