Gum disease is a common but serious condition that can affect your overall oral health. Understanding what gum disease is and how to prevent it can help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come. Keep reading 4to learn more about gum disease and what you can do at home to prevent it from developing. Additionally, we’ll cover how a dental professional can help if you’re dealing with gum disease.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It’s primarily caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.
Gum disease progresses in stages, starting with gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily — this worsens when brushing or flossing. Though this sounds bad, the damage can often be reversed at this stage through good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings. That said, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis if left untreated.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease that occurs when the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets can become infected, and as the disease progresses, the body’s immune response starts to break down the bone and connective tissue that holds teeth in place. Without treatment, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed, leading to tooth loss. Additionally, the chronic inflammatory response associated with periodontitis can have systemic effects, impacting overall health.
Why Preventing Gum Disease is Crucial
Preventing gum disease is essential for maintaining not only your oral health but also your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to several serious health conditions, making its prevention all the more critical. Here are some key reasons why preventing gum disease is crucial:
- Preservation of Natural Teeth: One of the primary goals of preventing gum disease is to preserve your natural teeth. Tooth loss resulting from untreated gum disease can impact your ability to chew and speak properly and can lead to changes in your facial structure.
- Heart Health: Research has shown a connection between gum disease and heart disease. The inflammation caused by gum disease can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries) and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Bacteria from infected gums can enter the bloodstream and attach to fatty deposits in heart blood vessels, leading to the formation of clots.
- Diabetes Management: People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including gum disease. Conversely, gum disease can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels, creating a harmful cycle. By preventing gum disease, individuals with diabetes can better manage their condition and avoid complications.
- Respiratory Health: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory infections such as pneumonia, especially in individuals with existing lung conditions or weakened immune systems. Preventing gum disease can reduce the risk of these respiratory issues.
- Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women with gum disease are at a higher risk of developing pregnancy complications, including preterm birth and low birth weight. Preventing gum disease can contribute to a healthier pregnancy and reduce the risk of adverse outcomes for both mother and baby.
- Overall Inflammatory Response: Chronic inflammation from gum disease can exacerbate other inflammatory conditions in the body, contributing to a range of health issues. By preventing gum disease, you can reduce systemic inflammation and its associated risks.
Dentist-Approved Tips to Prevent Gum Disease
While gum disease is common, it’s also easily preventable. Good oral hygiene is your best defense against developing gum disease. The following tips, which can mostly be done at home, can be integrated into your dental hygiene routine with relative ease.
- Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Make sure to brush for two minutes, covering all surfaces of your teeth and along the gum line.
- Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gum line, areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Make it a habit to floss at least once a day.
- Use Mouthwash: An antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis. Rinse with mouthwash after brushing and flossing to keep your mouth clean and fresh.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can detect early signs of gum disease and provide treatments to prevent it from progressing.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it harder to fight off gum infections. Quitting smoking significantly reduces your risk of gum disease.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy gums. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your diet. Avoid sugary snacks and beverages that can contribute to plaque buildup.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth. It also promotes saliva production, which naturally cleanses your mouth and protects your gums.
- Use the Right Dental Tools: Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective at removing plaque than a manual toothbrush. Additionally, interdental brushes or water flossers can help clean between teeth.
What to Do If You Have Gum Disease
If you already have gum disease, it’s important to seek treatment from your dentist as soon as possible. Here’s what a dentist can do to help:
- Professional Cleaning: Your dentist will perform a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Dental hygiene procedures help to eliminate bacteria and promote healing of the gums.
- Medications: Depending on the severity of your gum disease, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouthwash to help control the infection.
- Surgery: In advanced cases, surgical treatments such as flap surgery or bone and tissue grafts may be necessary to restore damaged gum and bone tissue.
- Ongoing Maintenance: After treatment, your dentist will recommend a maintenance plan, which includes regular checkups and cleanings to monitor your gum health and prevent recurrence of the disease.
Invest in Your Oral Health Today With Aegis Dental Group and Angola Dental Centers
Gum disease is a serious condition that can have significant consequences for your oral and overall health. By following these dentist-approved tips, you can prevent gum disease and maintain a healthy smile. Remember, regular visits to your dentist are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.
If you suspect you have gum disease, don’t wait. Aegis Dental Group and Angola Dental Center is here for you — contact us today to get started on the path to better oral health.