What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts when you don’t brush your teeth regularly or floss well enough. Cavity-causing bacteria grow in your mouth and affect the gums that surround the teeth. It causes bleeding, inflammation, redness, pain, and bad breath, ultimately leading to tooth loss.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), gum diseases such as gingivitis and Periodontitis are the primary cause of tooth loss. Approximately 19% of the global adult population is affected by gum disease, resulting in over one billion cases worldwide.
Types Of Gum Disease
The three main types of gum diseases that affect oral health are as follows:
Gingivitis
Gingivitis, also known as periodontal disease, is the most common and mild form of gum disease, causing inflammation, swelling, redness, and bleeding of the gums, which can lead to Pyorrhea. Bacteria and plaque overgrowth are caused by poor oral hygiene.
It does not directly cause bone loss, but if left untreated, it can lead to a more severe gum disease called Periodontitis.
The most common causes of gingivitis are Plaque buildup, smoking and tobacco use, age, hormonal changes, stress, and poor nutrition. Brushing twice a day, cleaning the tongue, flossing regularly, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending regular dental checkups can help prevent gingivitis.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious inflammatory gum infection that damages the soft tissues, and when left untreated, it can destroy the bone. It is a chronic gum disease caused by bacterial overgrowth, leading to chronic inflammation and destruction of the teeth’s supporting apparatus.
When left untreated, it is associated with a risk of stroke or heart attack, diabetes, respiratory infection, and, in severe cases, sepsis.
ANUG
Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is a painful and rapidly progressing gum disease characterized by the sudden onset of severe gum pain, ulceration, and bleeding. It can lead to potentially severe conditions if it is left untreated. Other symptoms include foul breath, excessive salivation, swollen lymph nodes, and occasionally fever and illness.
Primary Causes Of Gum Disease
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Plaque
Gum disease is primarily caused by plaque formation, a layer of bacteria that sticks to the teeth and gums, leading to infection.
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Tartar
If plaque is not cleaned properly, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums, further leading to redness and inflammation.
Factors Contributing To Gum Disease
The most common factors contributing to gum disease are as follows:
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Poor Oral Hygiene
Insufficient brushing and flossing allow bacteria to accumulate and form plaque and tartar.
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Smoking Or Tobacco Use
Impairing the blood flow to the gums makes it difficult for the gum tissues to heal.
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Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuation during pregnancy, puberty, menstruation, and menopause can make your gums more sensitive to inflammation.
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Certain Medications
Certain medications, such as immunosuppressants, cyclosporine, anticonvulsants, high blood pressure medications, aspirin, antibiotics, and contraceptives, can impact gum health.
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Poor Nutrition
Especially diets rich in sugar and carbohydrates but low in vitamins and minerals can impair gum health.
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Other Systemic Diseases
Diseases like HIV/AIDS, cancer, and autoimmune disorders can weaken the immune system, leading to oral diseases.
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Stress
It weakens your immune system and reduces the ability to fight against infections.
How Gum Disease Is Treated
The treatment depends on various factors, such as your oral health and the stage of the disease.
Early-Stage Gum Disease
Certain Gum disease treatments do not require surgery and can be easily treated at the dentist’s office.
Professional Dental Cleaning
A dentist can easily remove the plaque and tartar from above or below your gumline. If you experience symptoms of gingival disease, it can often be reversed if caught early. It is not a treatment but rather a preventative measure for Periodontal disease.
Moderate To Advanced Gum Disease
These methods are used for moderate to severe cases of gum disease.
Scaling And Root Planing
A deep cleaning procedure in which plaque and tartar are removed, and root surfaces are smoothened to help gums reattach.
Surgical Treatments
If you have advanced gum disease, and non-surgical methods are ineffective. The following surgical methods may be recommended:
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Pocket Reduction (Flap) Surgery
The gums are lifted to clean the root surfaces and to remove tartar. Damaged bones are reshaped and repositioned to reduce the gaps between the tooth and gums.
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Bone Grafting
This process is used to replace bones lost due to Periodontitis. Bone grafts work as a platform for the development of bones that support teeth.
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Soft Tissue Grafts
Used to reinforce thin gums and to cover root surfaces exposed by gum recession.
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Guided Tissue Generation
It involves placing a special membrane to encourage the regrowth of bone and tissues.
Neurological Treatment
Certain Gum infection treatments do not involve surgery –
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Professional Dental Cleaning
During your dental checkup, a dentist will remove the tartar from your teeth, which can only be removed through professional dental cleaning.
If you have Gingival disease symptoms, you may be recommended for professional dental cleaning more than twice a year. It is not a treatment but it is a preventative measure for Periodontal disease.
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Scaling And Root Planning
It is a process of deep cleaning done under a local anesthetic in which plaque and tartar are scraped away (scaling) from the surface of your teeth and gums, which hardens and leads to Periodontal disease.
The rough surfaces of the teeth are made smooth (planning). It provides a clean surface on the teeth that allows your gums to reattach.
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Surgical Treatments
Your dentist may recommend you undergo Gingival disease surgery if the tissues around your teeth can’t be repaired and neurological treatment is not enough for your oral condition.
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Flap Surgery
During this treatment, your gums are lifted back to remove tartar, and the irregular surfaces of the bone are smoothed out to limit areas where bacteria usually hide. Your gums are then placed to fit around your tooth, which reduces the space between your gum and tooth.
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Bone Grafting
In this procedure, dentists use fragments of your own bones, synthetic or donated bones, to replace them with damaged teeth bones due to Gingival disease. Bone grafts serve as a platform for the regrowth of bone, which ensures stability to your teeth.
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Soft Tissue Grafts
It reinforces thin gums and fills the gaps where your gums have receded due to Gingival disease. Grafted tissue is most often taken from the roof of your mouth and stitched into place to add tissue to your affected area.
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Bone Surgery
In this process, a dentist smoothes out shallow craters in your bone caused due to bone loss. After surgery, the bone around your tooth is reshaped to prevent bacteria from collecting and growing on your teeth.
Benefits Of Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease treatments halt the progression of the disease, preserving the bone and tissue and preventing them from deteriorating.
Some major benefits of gum disease treatments are as follows:
- Prevents tooth loss
- Reduces inflammation and bleeding
- Eliminates bad breath
- Reduces the risk of systemic health
- Improves overall oral health
- Supports overall well-being
- Higher success rates
Post-Periodontal Surgery Preventions
Here are some of the prevention measures to take after the surgery to achieve healthier teeth and gums.
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Oral Hygiene
Maintain an oral care routine by brushing for at least two minutes twice a day, cleaning the tongue, and flossing regularly. Use a prescribed mouthwash to prevent gum inflammation, and be gentle on the side of surgery.
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Making Healthy Choices
Quit smoking, take a nutrient-rich diet, and manage stress to prevent gum infections or inflammation after gum disease surgery. Avoid chewing food on the side where surgery was performed for at least a week.
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Follow-Up Appointments
Schedule your next appointment with your dentist to monitor the healing process during the post-surgical period of recovery from periodontal disease.
Key Takeaways
Effective gum disease treatment ensures the best possible outcome of healthy teeth and gums that accentuate a dazzling smile.
Additionally, gum disease treatment in a digital dental center is crucial for the rapid production of dental molds.
At Dacula Dental, we utilize cutting-edge dental technology to foster our services, both before and after treatment.
“Don’t Let Cavities Grow, Keep Flossing”
FAQs
1. What causes gum disease in the first place?
The main culprit is plaque. When you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque builds up on your teeth and hardens into tartar. That tartar irritates your gums and causes inflammation. Over time, this can lead to infection and damage.
2. How can I tell if I have gum disease?
Some signs to watch out for:
- Gums that are red, swollen, or sore
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Receding gums or teeth that look longer
- Loose teeth or pain when chewing
- If you notice any of these, it’s a good idea to see your dentist.
3. What’s the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?
Think of gingivitis as the warning sign. Your gums are inflamed but your teeth are still firmly in place. With good care, it can be reversed. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is more advanced it affects the bone under your teeth and can lead to tooth loss if untreated.
4. How do I prevent gum disease?
It’s mostly about keeping things clean:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss once a day, it really helps
- Use mouthwash if your dentist recommends it
- Avoid smoking
- Eat healthy and don’t skip those regular dental checkups
6. Can gum disease affect the rest of my body?
Yes, actually. Research shows that gum disease is linked to other health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and even stroke.
7. Can gum disease be reversed?
The early stage gingivitis can usually be reversed with better brushing, flossing, and a good dental cleaning. But if it progresses to periodontitis, it’s more serious and will need professional treatment to manage.
8. Who’s more likely to get gum disease?
You might be at higher risk if you:
- Smoke or use tobacco
- Have diabetes
- Are pregnant or going through hormonal changes
- Take certain medications
- Don’t brush and floss regularly
- Have a family history of gum issues
9. How do dentists treat gum disease?
It depends on how advanced it is. Treatment options might include:
- Deep cleaning (called scaling and root planning)
- Medications or mouth rinses
- Surgery in more severe cases
- Your dentist will let you know what’s best for you.
10. Can you catch gum disease from someone else?
You can’t catch gum disease like a cold, but the bacteria that cause it can be passed through saliva. So sharing things like toothbrushes or even kissing could spread the germs.