Gum or periodontal disease is an inflammation affecting the oral tissues that can result in tooth loss and affect overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), researchers have uncovered potential links between gum disease and other severe health conditions. The disease develops in stages, beginning with mild inflammation known as gingivitis, which is reversible and can progress to severe tissue damage called periodontitis.
When left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss. Educating yourself about gum disease can help you keep your oral health in check and prevent gum issues. This blog discusses gum disease, including its symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment. Read on to learn more.
An Overview of Gum Disease
Gums are the soft tissues that support your teeth. Gum disease is an infection affecting these tissues. Your dentist or periodontist may refer to it as periodontal or gum disease.
Gum disease begins when bacteria multiply in your mouth. This buildup happens if you do not brush or floss properly. Gum disease can lead to swelling, redness, pain, and even tooth loss if not treated. Nearly half of adults over 30 show signs of gum disease, and around 9% have severe cases.
Gum disease occurs due to bacterial plaque, a sticky layer that builds up on teeth and gums. If not cleaned away with regular brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar, encouraging bacteria to grow. Bacterial growth can eventually become a risk factor for infections and swelling, affecting the gums, bones, and ligaments that hold your teeth in place.
There are two main types of gum disease:
- Gingivitis—This is a form of gum disease where the gums become inflamed, but the bone remains unaffected. Warning signs of gum disease include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. You can reverse gingivitis with good oral care and professional oral cleaning
- Periodontitis—If the oral disease is not treated, it can develop into periodontitis. At this stage, the inflammation goes deeper, affecting the tissues that hold the teeth in place, including the bone. Periodontitis can cause teeth to become loose, gum recession, and, eventually, tooth loss
Stages of Gum Disease
Healthy gums feel firm and do not swell or bleed. However, gum disease can lead to discolored gums (reddish or purplish), swelling, and bleeding. Periodontitis can cause loss of alveolar bone, but it usually does not impact the jawbone unless it becomes severe or there are secondary infections.
The damage to the oral tissues around your teeth occurs slowly. Many patients do not feel discomfort in the early stages of oral inflammatory disease, making it crucial to recognize the warning signs.
Periodontal disease has four stages:
Gingivitis
Dental gingivitis is the initial stage of periodontal disease, marked by swollen and red gums that might bleed when you brush or floss. Dental gingivitis can be reversed with better oral care and professional cleaning.
Early Periodontitis
In this phase, inflammation goes deeper into the tissues that support the teeth, creating pockets between the teeth and gums. Some bone loss may begin.
Moderate Periodontitis
As the condition worsens, the gums pull back, and bone loss increases. Teeth may feel loose, and chewing can become uncomfortable.
Advanced Periodontitis
Advanced periodontitis is a serious form of gum disease that severely harms the tissues and bones that hold the teeth in place. It is the last stage of periodontal disease, moving from gingivitis to periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.
This condition occurs due to a prolonged accumulation of plaque and bacteria on teeth. The buildup causes inflammation, which damages the ligaments, gums, and bones supporting the teeth. However, your dentist can manage the condition with the proper treatment options and careful oral hygiene.
Common Causes of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease mainly occurs due to bacteria and tartar forming when you do not care for your teeth. However, other things can increase the risk factors for gum disease. These include:
- Smoking—Tobacco use weakens the immune system, making it harder to fight infections. Smokers are more likely to get periodontitis than non-smokers.
- Inconsistent oral care—Not brushing and flossing allows dental plaque to form, causing gum irritation.
- Genetics—Some people may be more likely to develop gum disease due to their genetic makeup, even if they maintain good oral hygiene.
- Hormonal changes—Fluctuations in hormones, especially during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can make gums more sensitive and prone to infection.
- Poor diet—A lack of essential nutrients, especially vitamin C, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of gum infections.
- Misaligned teeth—Crooked teeth can create spots where bacteria gather, raising the risk of gum disease.
- Diabetes—Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease, which can also complicate blood sugar control
- Medications—Some drugs, like antihistamines and antidepressants, can reduce saliva, leading to dry mouth and a higher risk of gum disease
- Chronic stress—Stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder to combat infections, including those affecting the gums.
- Teeth grinding—Regularly grinding or clenching teeth can strain the supporting tissues, increasing the risk of gum damage.
Bacteria that can cause gum disease can be transmitted between people. You will not contract gum disease from a quick, casual interaction. However, frequent and prolonged contact through saliva, like kissing, might raise your chances of developing periodontal disease.
Complications of Gum Disease
If untreated, gum disease can worsen and seriously harm your oral health. It creates a cycle of infection that can result in losing teeth. Studies have shown that gum disease can also affect your overall health. There is a connection between gum disease and other severe conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Gum Disease Symptoms
Some common symptoms of gum disease to look out for include the following:
- Bleeding gums—If your gums bleed when you brush, floss, or eat hard foods, it could mean you have gum inflammation or early gum disease
- Red, swollen gums—Healthy gums are usually pink and firm. If they appear red, swollen, or tender, it might be a sign of inflammation from plaque buildup
- Persistent bad breath—Bacteria in your mouth can create sulfur compounds, causing ongoing bad breath (halitosis) that doesn’t improve with brushing or mouthwash.
- Receding gums—As gum disease worsens, gums may pull away from the teeth, making them look longer and exposing the roots.
- Loose teeth—In serious gum disease, the bone and tissue that support the teeth can be damaged, resulting in loose or shifting teeth.
- Painful chewing—As the infection progresses, you might feel pain or discomfort while chewing due to inflamed gums and damaged tissue.
- Tooth sensitivity—Gum recession can expose tooth roots, increasing sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Pus between teeth and gums—Infections around the teeth can create pus, which may signal an abscess or advanced gum disease.
Diagnosis of Gum Disease
Diagnosing periodontal disease requires a detailed oral check-up and may include these steps:
- Visual check—The dentist looks for symptoms of gum issues like redness, swelling, and bleeding.
- Probing—The dentist uses a unique tool to measure the depth of spaces between the teeth and gums. Depths over 3 mm could suggest gum disease.
- X-rays—Oral X-rays help show how much bone loss has occurred around the teeth, which aids in diagnosing periodontitis.
- Medical history—The dentist might ask about your symptoms, your habits, and any health problems that could increase the chance of gum disease
Management and Treatment of Gum Disease
Gingivitis can be reversed entirely, meaning early gum disease can be treated. On the other hand, periodontitis cannot be reversed; it can only be managed. For example, lost bone and soft tissue cannot heal in advanced periodontitis alone. However, bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, and other regenerative methods can help partially rebuild these support structures.
Genetics also plays a role. There are various types of bacteria in the mouth, and some people are more susceptible to the ones that lead to gum disease. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is fully reversible. It can be treated with regular dental cleanings and good oral care if detected early.
There are different periodontal treatments available. The ideal option for you will depend on how severe your condition is and other factors, such as:
- Your overall health.
- Whether you smoke.
- Your previous treatments.
Dental Cleaning and Better Oral Care
Individuals with early-stage gum disease can often reverse it through regular oral cleanings and better oral care. Since there is no bone loss at this stage, this gentle method eliminates harmful bacteria before the condition worsens.
Good oral care involves brushing two to three times daily, flossing daily, and seeing a dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Antibacterial mouthwash can help stop gum disease and tackle bad breath and plaque. According to the American Dental Association, these rinses can lower the bacteria that lead to plaque and gum issues. Check with your dentist as soon as possible to find your ideal mouthwash.
Pocket Reduction Surgery
For those with moderate to severe gum disease, pocket reduction surgery, also known as osseous surgery, may be necessary. This procedure eliminates plaque and tartar too deep for a hygienist to access. A periodontist will cut into your gums to create a flap, allowing them to pull back the gums from the tooth roots.
After that, they will clean the roots of your teeth, removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria, and smooth any rough spots. Once finished, they will reposition your gums and stitch the incision closed. Periodontists often combine pocket reduction surgery with other treatments like bone grafting, gum grafting, or guided tissue regeneration.
Root Planing and Scaling
Scaling and root planing are like regular oral cleaning, but go deeper to clean under your gums. It removes plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush and floss cannot reach. Dentists suggest this treatment for those with mild gum disease.
In this process, an oral hygienist removes the plaque from your teeth (scaling) and then smooths the root surfaces (planing) to prevent bacteria from sticking again. This procedure usually takes at least two visits and involves local anesthesia.
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)
Some periodontists provide pocket reduction using LANAP. This method addresses oral disease with a handheld laser focusing on unhealthy gum tissue while preserving healthy parts. LANAP is less invasive than standard pocket reduction surgery, but the outcomes vary.
Gum Grafting
If you have lost gum tissue from periodontal disease, your dentist can suggest gum graft surgery, also known as tissue grafting. This procedure helps cover exposed tooth roots and increases the gum’s thickness along your gum line.
In this process, a periodontist will add tissue to areas where the gums have receded. The tissue can be taken from the roof of your mouth or sourced from a licensed bone and tissue bank.
Bone Grafting
Your dentist will examine and perform a dental bone graft to replace bone lost due to gum disease. After cleaning out the infection of the tissues, they will insert bone graft material into the areas where the bone has diminished. This material serves as a support structure, allowing your body to rebuild its bone gradually.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are rich in growth factors that help generate tissue. A PRF and PRP from a small blood sample. They will use a centrifuge that spins quickly to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. Afterward, they will apply the platelet-rich plasma or fibrin to the treated area.
This therapy not only enhances healing but also helps to speed up recovery and lessen pain after surgery. Since it is derived from your blood, it is safe.
Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)
Periodontists often consider guided tissue regeneration to fix periodontal defects, which are damaged bone areas.
In the GTR process, a periodontist puts an artificial membrane between the gums or new bone to develop instead of allowing soft tissue to take over.
Prevention of Periodontal Disease
Gum disease prevention involves good oral care and healthy habits. Here are some essential tips to help you avoid gum disease:
- Floss every day—Flossing helps remove plaque and food stuck between teeth that brushing might miss.
- Brush twice a day—Use fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, two times daily. Focus on the gum line to clear away plaque.
- Regular Dental Checkups—See your dentist or dental hygienist every six months for cleanings and check-ups. These visits can help identify gum disease early.
- Use mouthwash—An antibacterial mouthwash can lower bacteria levels.
- Eat a healthy diet—A diet full of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and calcium, is suitable for your gums and teeth.
- Stop smoking—Smoking harms your immune system and raises the risk of gum disease. Quitting can enhance gum health.
- Manage stress—Long-term stress can weaken your immune system, making it harder to fight infections like periodontitis. Stress relief through relaxation or exercise can benefit your overall health.
- Drink plenty of water—Staying hydrated helps rinse away food and bacteria, keeps your mouth clean, and lowers the chance of gum disease.
- Limit sugary foods and drinks—Sugary items encourage harmful bacteria in your mouth, leading to plaque and a higher risk of periodontal disease.
Contact an Encino Dentist Near Me
If gum disease is not treated, it can seriously harm your oral health. Our skilled dentists at Lasting Impressions Dental Spa provide various treatment plans for oral conditions ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. Whether you require regular cleaning, gum surgery, or extensive oral care, our Encino dentists are dedicated to improving and preserving your gum health. Contact us today at 818-751-5100 to talk with one of our dental professionals.
