Prevention and treatment of gum disease
One of the most common oral health issues is gum (periodontal) disease. It’s also a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
According to theAmerican Dental Association (ADA), chronic periodontitis (advanced gum disease) affects almost half of the adults over 30 in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 70% of adults over the age of 65 have some level of periodontal disease. If you have the early stage of gum disease (gingivitis), the disease is still reversible. It can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.
Causes of periodontal disease
Gum disease occurs when dental plaque is not removed by brushing your teeth. Dental plaque is a sticky substance made from leftover food particles and saliva that grows on surfaces within the mouth. Along with their toxins, bacteria in dental plaque break down gum tissues.
Gingivitis results when your body fires back with an inflammatory response, resulting in red, swollen gums.
Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) infects the tissues that support the teeth. As the tissue is attacked and the infection worsens, tooth loss can result.
Gum disease prevention
Good oral hygiene can prevent gum disease. Follow these steps to maintain healthy teeth and gums:
Practice regular dental care, including brushing after every meal and before bedtime and flossing at least once a day.
Visit your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning. When plaque accumulates, it can mineralize, trapping stains and turning into tartar. Only your dentist or hygienist can remove tartar once it has formed.
The bone and supporting tissues around your teeth are affected if you develop advanced periodontitis. Your gums and teeth may need to be treated surgically or removed.
If you notice any of the following warning signs of gum disease, contact your dentist:
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding while brushing or flossing
Gums that pull away from the teeth and/or loose or separating teeth
Red, white, or swollen areas in any part of your mouth
Persistent bad breath
You can have gum disease and not know it. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to other serious medical conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, along with premature delivery and low birth weight babies.
Receding gums
Gum disease can also cause your gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth. Genetics, brushing too hard, hormone levels (during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause), using tobacco products, grinding or clenching your teeth, crooked teeth, or a misaligned bite are all factors that can play a role in receding gums.
Treatment options
Your dentist can treat mild gum recession by deep cleaning the affected area. Antibiotics also may be prescribed to get rid of any remaining harmful bacteria. If the bone supporting your teeth has been destroyed, a procedure to regenerate lost bone and tissue may be recommended.
Periodontal pocket reduction: If the gum tissue does not fit snugly around the tooth and you can’t keep the deep pocket area clean, you may be a candidate for a periodontal pocket reduction. This involves folding back the gum tissue and removing the disease-causing bacteria.
Gum grafts: Exposed roots due to gum recession can be covered with gum grafts, where tissue is taken from your palate or another source and used to cover the roots of one or more teeth.
Bone grafting: This surgical procedure promotes the growth of bone that has been destroyed by periodontal disease.
Dental implants: If you must have teeth removed, you can be fitted with dental implants.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
It’s important to schedule a dental checkup at least twice a year to keep gum disease and other oral issues at bay.