Gum Disease & Gingivitis – How it Evolves and How to Avoid It
When maintaining your oral health most people think they can just brush their teeth, floss and visit the dentist and all problems will be avoided. However, gum disease and gingivitis are common issues for most adults and it’s important to know what the signs are and some ways to treat it in order to maintain great oral health.
At Reflections Dental in Oakville, we pride ourselves on delivering great local patient care, but on sharing useful oral care tips to all. Avoiding gum disease and gingivitis might be the single best way to maintain great mouth health. We welcome your questions!
Gum disease is a progressive condition that starts with plaque buildup on the teeth and gums. If left untreated, plaque can turn into tartar and cause inflammation of the gums, known as gingivitis. As the disease progresses the gums can become infected, causing them to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that collect more bacteria. This can lead to destruction of the underlying bone and connective tissue that support the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
How does gum disease evolve
There are 4 stages of gum disease, and recognizing the symptoms of each stage can help you know when it’s time to take action.
1. Gingivitis – In this first stage of gum disease, buildup of plaque on teeth and gums can cause your mouth to become inflamed which can lead to redness, swelling and bleeding when brushing and flossing.
2. Early periodontitis – If gingivitis is not treated, plaque may harden into tartar which must be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist. Tartar and bacteria will cause gums to pull away from the teeth, creating pockets that can become infected.
3. Moderate periodontitis – Infection and inflammation cause the destruction of the supporting bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place. The pockets between the gums and teeth deepen, and the gums may begin to recede.
4. Advanced periodontitis – At this stage, the gum tissue and bone supporting the teeth have been severely damaged and the teeth may become loose or even fall out.
How to treat gum disease
Gum disease and gingivitis are relatively easy to prevent and reduce, especially if you already maintain a great mouth care routine. Taking care to clean your teeth daily and visit your dentist regularly can help you both prevent gum disease before it starts, and treat it once it has begun. Some important steps in treating gum disease are:
1. Brushing and flossing
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily will help remove plaque and reduce inflammation that can lead to gum disease.
2. Professional cleaning
Visit your dentist at least every year for regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist will also notice any potential concerns that may turn into more significant issues if left untreated.
3. Medications
In more serious cases your dentist can prescribe antibiotics to help clear any infections, or an antimicrobial mouthwash that will help reduce plaque buildup.
4. Improved oral hygiene
Your dentist can provide instructions on proper brushing and flossing techniques and recommend specific products to improve your oral hygiene. Using floss picks or a handled flosser can help those who struggle with flossing.
5. Lifestyle changes
If you smoke or consume high volumes of sugar or alcohol, reducing your consumption and improving your diet can help improve the health of your gums and reduce inflammation.
Gum disease – prevention is best
The best way to avoid gum disease is to adopt a good oral care routine before it becomes an issue. Brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting your dentist will all help to remove plaque and tartar buildup and prevent the progression of the disease. If you use tobacco, have poor nutrition habits or a family history of gum disease, it is especially important to stay on top of your oral health.
Visit your dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of gingivitis in order to have the best chance of success when it comes to treating it. Early treatment can help prevent the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of loosing teeth in the future.
