Is gum disease preventable?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, develops when the gum tissue becomes inflamed and infected. Chronic inflammation eventually causes the bone in the jaw to weaken from the infection, which can lead to jawbone loss and tooth loss. Periodontal disease is often caused by poor dental hygiene habits. Though genetics may play a factor for some as well, gum disease is generally entirely preventable with a solid daily oral health routine and regular checkups with your dentist.
If you think you might have periodontal disease, make sure to book an appointment with Dr. Dimple Desai of Luminous Smiles in Newport Beach, California. Dr. Desai is a well-known dentist who is the only female dentist in the area accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. This means she has proven excellence in knowledge and skill in the area of cosmetic dentistry. So if you are concerned about gum disease, she can form a plan to help you get your gums back to health for a beautiful, confident smile.
What causes gum disease?
The number one cause of periodontal disease is the buildup of plaque. Because plaque is made up of bad bacteria, it can infect the gums and break down the surrounding tissues if it isn’t caught and treated early on. People who don’t have a solid oral health routine that consists of daily brushing and flossing are more likely to develop gum disease than those who do.
Another major risk factor for gum disease is smoking. Smoking has many negative effects on the human body because of all of the harmful chemicals that are in tobacco, and oral effects are no exception. Those chemicals can affect the teeth by irritating the gums and reducing their ability to heal properly. This can ultimately lead to stains, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Symptoms of Periodontal Disease
The main symptom of periodontal disease is red or inflamed gums. Other symptoms may include:
- Bad breath
- Bleeding gums
- Sore gums
- Loose teeth
- Painful chewing
- Receding gums
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible for a complete dental evaluation.
The Stages of Gum Disease
The first sign of gum disease is gum irritation, which typically makes the gums look bright red and swollen. Healthy gums should be firm to the touch and pink in color. Gum disease happens gradually, and people often don’t realize there is an issue until it progresses to a later stage, which is why regular dental checkups are so important to dental health.
The stages of gum disease are:
- Gingivitis: The earliest state of gum disease is gingivitis, which is when gums start to become puffy and red. The gums may also bleed when brushing or flossing. Gingivitis is reversible as long as it is caught early and treated promptly.
- Mild periodontitis: The second stage of gum disease is known as mild periodontitis, which is when bacteria get into the gums and begin to affect the supporting tissues. During this stage, the gums may start to pull away from the teeth, which creates small pockets where more plaque and bacteria can hide undisturbed. Brushing and flossing can’t reach into these pockets, so it is important to seek dental treatment early to prevent this stage of periodontitis.
- Moderate periodontitis: This is the stage where some people start to feel pain in their mouth. Patients may also experience bad breath or pus around the gum line. The bacteria continue to erode the teeth’s supporting ligaments and soft tissue but also begin breaking down the jawbone as well, leading to tooth mobility.
- Advanced periodontitis: Patients in this stage of gum disease will continue to see inflamed gums. Bacteria will continue to affect the jawbone, and patients may lose teeth without swift appropriate periodontal therapy.
Thankfully, patients who only have gingivitis can fully reverse their gum disease with proper dental intervention and future preventive care. Unfortunately, those who have been diagnosed with periodontitis may not be able to fully reverse its effects, but periodontal therapy is still extremely important to remove all bacteria, halt the disease’s progression, and encourage tissue reattachment.
Gum disease is preventable.
As we mentioned, the good news is that gum disease is preventable with the proper oral hygiene routine. That includes brushing the teeth properly at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time, as well as flossing at least once a day to remove plaque from between the teeth where bristles cannot reach. Many dentists will also recommend that their patients use a fluoridated mouthwash daily to help wash away bad bacteria.
Keep up with biannual checkups.
Another important thing you can do to prevent gum disease is to visit Dr. Desai at Luminous Smiles in Newport Beach, California, at least twice a year for preventive dental checkups. During these evaluations, you’ll receive a thorough cleaning, and Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth and gums to be sure they are as healthy as possible. During these checkups, Dr. Desai will look for any potential problems and offer advice on preventing dental health issues. Give our office a call today to schedule an appointment!
