Gum disease is an insidious threat to your oral health that can start out almost unnoticeably small before developing into a painful and destructive problem that causes permanent damage. Thankfully, knowing a little about this unfortunate health issue can help you understand how to avoid it and what you can do if it happens. Here are three interesting things to know about gum disease.
A Variety of Factors Can Cause Gum Disease
Gum infections can result from a variety of factors like:
- Poor oral hygiene: Neglecting to floss and brush adequately each day will allow plaque and food residue to accumulate on your teeth and gums and eventually lead to oral infections.
- Age: Seniors are more likely to develop gum disease.
- Bad habits: Tobacco use and excessive alcohol intake can erode your gum tissue and make them more vulnerable to infection.
- Genetic conditions: Congenital health issues like type 1 diabetes can make a person more susceptible to gum disease.
- Pregnancy: This condition increases inflammation and makes gingivitis more likely.
Gum Disease Comes in Two Stages
If left untreated, gum disease will progress through two stages and eventually cause serious health issues like tooth loss and dangerous secondary infections. These stages are:
- Gingivitis: This is inflammation of the gum tissue, and it can show itself through symptoms like redness, puffiness, swelling, and bleeding during flossing. Gingivitis can often be reversed with improved oral hygiene practices.
- Periodontitis: Untreated gingivitis will eventually become periodontitis, which is characterized by permanent gum recession, halitosis, frequent bleeding, and painful chewing. Unaddressed periodontitis will eventually lead to tooth loss.
Gum Disease Can Be Prevented and Treated
Luckily, there are a few effective ways to prevent gum disease and the many unpleasant problems it causes. The best way to avoid this nasty infection is to practice excellent oral hygiene by brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day to kill harmful oral bacteria, and it’s equally important to visit your dentist regularly for routine checkups. Limiting your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages like soda, juice, and candy will also help your gums stay in great shape.
If you develop gum disease, your dentist has several methods that can treat the issue. Scaling and root planing involves removing accumulated plaque and tartar from along the roots of the teeth and helping them reintegrate with the soft oral tissue. Some patients may also benefit from antibiotic therapy designed to kill infectious bacteria attacking their gums.
Don’t let gum disease wreck your smile and cause you pain. Consulting with your dentist can help you understand how to preserve your oral health.
About the Author
Dr. Molly Burton earned her dental degree at the University of Louisville and has participated in extensive continuing education coursework. She has also received advanced training in dental implant placement and Invisalign. Her office in Austin offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as gum disease treatments. If you are concerned about gum infections, contact her office online or dial (512) 441-2098.