Your Guide to Gum Disease: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

If you have red, irritated gums that bleed when you brush or floss, you may have gum disease. Gum disease affects millions of people worldwide and is a common oral health issue. However, if left untreated, it can significantly impact your smile’s health and appearance.

Here, we explore what exactly gum disease is, what causes it, and how to recognize its signs and symptoms. We’ll also look at effective prevention strategies and gum disease treatment to keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s typically caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. As plaque accumulates along the gumline, it can harden into tartar, leading to inflammation and infection of the gum tissue.

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It’s characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing. At this stage, the condition is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional dental care.

If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. This more severe form of gum disease can lead to the formation of pockets between the gums and teeth, bone loss, and, eventually, tooth loss.

Top Causes of Gum Disease

Some people are more susceptible to gum disease than others based on their unique oral health and hygiene practices. The most common causes of gum disease include:

Plaque Buildup

The primary cause of gum disease is the accumulation of plaque around the gumline. When not removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

Poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates, and alcohol consumption can all increase plaque development in the mouth and may increase your risk of gum disease, even if you brush and floss regularly.

Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco significantly increases the risk of gum disease and can make treatment less effective. Smoking marijuana can also increase your chances of developing gum disease.

Alcohol dries out the oral cavity and can lead to dry mouth. Saliva is crucial for balancing oral bacteria, washing away food particles, and protecting tooth enamel. Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption can lead to plaque accumulation that causes gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Health Conditions, Medications, and Hormonal Changes

Certain health issues, particularly uncontrolled diabetes, can increase susceptibility to gum disease by affecting the body’s ability to fight infections.

In addition, some medications can reduce saliva production and cause dry mouth, making the oral cavity more vulnerable to plaque and bacterial growth.

Fluctuations in hormones during pregnancy, menopause, or other life stages can make gums more sensitive and prone to inflammation, increasing the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

Common signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Pus between teeth and gums
• Receding gums or longer-looking teeth
• Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue

How Gum Disease Impacts Your Smile and Overall Health

Contrary to what people think, gum disease doesn’t just impact your gums—it affects your teeth, overall oral health, and even your bodily health.

For example, advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss, affecting both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. The infection can also cause deterioration of the jawbone, potentially changing the shape of your face.

Research has linked gum disease to various systemic health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and complications during pregnancy. If you notice any signs or symptoms of gum disease, it’s imperative to seek treatment.

Treatment Options for Gum Disease in Asheville

The earlier you catch gum disease, the more successful your treatment will likely be. For mild cases of gingivitis, a thorough professional cleaning may be sufficient to reverse the condition. Explore effective Periodontal (Gum) Treatment in Asheville to maintain optimal oral health.

A deep cleaning is also called a scaling and root planing procedure, in which your dentist will carefully clean plaque and tartar from below the gumline to restore your oral health. This procedure is also used to treat more advanced stages of gum disease, as it smooths the tooth roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth.

In some cases, oral antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear the bacterial infection seen in more advanced cases of gum disease. For some patients with advanced periodontal disease, surgical interventions such as gum grafts may be necessary to restore the health and appearance of the gums.

Maintaining Gum Health After Treatment

After receiving treatment for gum disease, it’s crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent the condition from returning. Even months or years after treatment, it is possible for gum disease to return.

To maintain your gum health after treatment, be sure to:

• Address any underlying health issues that may have contributed to gum disease, such as uncontrolled diabetes.
• Brush twice daily and floss once a day to keep your teeth clean.
• Follow your dentist’s instructions for post-treatment care.
• Keep your appointments for check-ups and cleanings with your dentist.
• Monitor your oral health for symptoms of gum disease recurrence.

People recovering from gum disease may also benefit from using an electric toothbrush. Research shows that an electric toothbrush is better at removing plaque from around the gumline than a traditional brush, which may help prevent gum disease from returning.

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is preventable, so you can reduce your risk of developing the condition by maintaining good oral hygiene, eating a healthy diet, quitting tobacco products, minimizing alcohol consumption, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups at Asheville Family Dentistry.

It’s also essential to address any underlying factors that could increase your risk for gum disease, such as chronic inflammation or medications that cause dry mouth. Talk to your dentist to determine your risk and take the best care of your teeth and gums for a healthy smile.

Take the Best Care of Your Gums With Saunders DDS

Your gums play a crucial role in supporting your teeth, so take the best care of them with Saunders DDS. We provide preventative services as well as gum disease treatment to help patients of all ages enjoy excellent oral health. Call us at (828) 277-6060 or reach us online to book your appointment today!

Protect your gum health—schedule a consultation with Asheville Family Dentistry today to learn more about prevention and treatment options!