Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a prevalent condition that affects many individuals, leading to serious dental health issues if left untreated.
It begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.
Recognising the symptoms early on, understanding the causes, and seeking effective treatment can significantly improve oral health and prevent long-term complications.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is characterised by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily when brushing or flossing.
As the condition progresses to periodontitis, symptoms become more severe and include:
Persistent bad breath
Gums that pull away from the teeth
Loose or shifting teeth
Pus between your teeth and gums
A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease results from a combination of factors that contribute to the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth:
Poor Oral Hygiene : Not brushing or flossing regularly allows plaque to harden into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove and can irritate the gum line.
Smoking : Smoking is strongly associated with the onset of gum disease, as it affects the immune system's ability to fight off infection.
Genetic Susceptibility : Some people are more genetically predisposed to gum disease than others.
Chronic Conditions : Diseases such as diabetes and conditions like hormonal changes in women can make gums more sensitive and more susceptible to gum disease.
Medications : Certain medications that cause dry mouth can impact oral health, as saliva helps protect teeth and gums.
Treatments for Gum Disease
The treatment of gum disease largely depends on the stage of the condition, as well as its severity.
However, the goal of any treatment is to control the infection, and the specific approaches can vary from non-surgical therapies that control bacterial growth to surgery to restore supportive tissues.
Here's an overview:
Professional Cleaning : In the early stages of gum disease, a professional cleaning can remove plaque and tartar that can't be cleaned at home. This might need to be followed up with more frequent cleanings and careful home care.
Scaling and Root Planing : This deep-cleaning, non-surgical procedure involves scraping away tartar from above and below the gum line and smoothing rough spots on tooth roots where bacteria gather.
Antibiotics : Topical or oral antibiotics can help control bacterial infection. In some cases, antibiotic mouth rinses or inserts placed in pockets after scaling and planing might be prescribed.
Surgical Treatments : For more advanced gum disease, surgery might be necessary to reduce pocket depth and regenerate lost bone and tissue.