Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. There are two main stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. It is in the second stage that tooth loss occurs. Though gum disease is common, it is preventable in most cases. The key is to recognize the symptoms and react before they get worse.
At Gairhan Dental Care, we often have patients who ask us about the symptoms of gum disease and how to treat it. We explain the two main stages of gum disease, the causes, the symptoms, and the treatment. With this information, our patients can protect their oral health better. So can you.
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an irritation of the gums caused by various factors, from poor oral hygiene to genetics, malnutrition, certain medications, or other oral problems. Gums with gingivitis become red and sore and may bleed during brushing.
What you might not know is that gingivitis in itself is not destructive to the teeth. The problem with gingivitis is that, if left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. This is what causes tooth damage or loss. That’s why it’s so important to stop gingivitis in its tracks — before it becomes more serious.
What Causes Gingivitis?
Poor oral hygiene may seem to be the most obvious cause of gingivitis. While it is a leading cause, it isn’t the only one. There are several factors that can cause gingivitis.
- Poor oral hygiene habits. Not brushing or flossing regularly causes plaque — that filmy substance on your teeth — to build up. Plaque can harden and turn into tartar, making it more difficult to clean teeth by brushing and flossing.
- Genetics. A family history of gingivitis can make a person prone to getting gingivitis themselves.
- Tobacco habits. Smoking or chewing tobacco can increase your chances of getting gingivitis and make it harder for your gums to heal.
- Illness. Illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, or AIDS can affect the condition of your gums and make it harder for them to heal.
- Hormonal changes. Pregnancy, puberty, menopause, monthly menstruation, and other hormonal changes can make gums more sensitive than normal and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Medications. Certain medications can drop saliva levels. Saliva protects teeth and gums, so when the medications drop saliva levels, gingivitis can develop. Some medicines can also cause abnormal gum growth, which can lead to gingivitis.
Gingivitis Symptoms
The symptoms of gingivitis are fairly easy to recognize.
Symptoms of gingivitis include:
- Discolored gums, usually red or purple
- Tender gums that may hurt when touched
- Inflammed or swollen gums
- Gums that are soft
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Gums that appear to be receding or pulling away from the teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
If you see symptoms of gingivitis, call Gairhan Dental Care to check on your teeth and gums. Be sure to brush and floss at least twice daily for two minutes at a time for good oral health.
What Is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis can lead to tooth damage or even tooth loss. Periodontitis is when gums become infected, and the infection begins to deteriorate the bone that holds the tooth in place. Without proper treatment, the bone breaks down until the tooth loosens and eventually falls out.
Periodontitis develops from gingivitis, so it has many of the same causes. As the plaque and tartar build up on the tooth, pockets of space develop between the gums and the tooth. Food, plaque, and bacteria build up in these pockets. Without treatment, the bacteria causes an infection that begins to destroy the bone. Eventually, the bone can no longer hold the tooth’s root, and the tooth falls out.
Periodontitis Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of periodontitis are more extreme versions of the symptoms of gingivitis. Others are more serious and more painful.
- Extremely red or purple gums
- Swollen gums
- Tender gums that are painful to the touch
- Gums that bleed easily, both during brushing and eating
- Pink on the toothbrush after brushing
- Bad breath
- Pain while chewing
- Gums that have receded so the whole tooth or top of the root can be seen
- Loose teeth
- Pus between the teeth or gum
- Loose gums that allow new spaces to develop between teeth
- Teeth that fall out
Contact your dentist right away if you have any of these symptoms.
How Do I Treat Gum Disease?
The easiest way to treat gingivitis is to brush and floss regularly. Many dentists will recommend using an electric toothbrush to scrub plaque completely off of the teeth. You should brush at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. You should also floss your teeth twice daily before you brush. Good oral hygiene habits will eliminate and prevent gingivitis.
Periodontitis is more complicated to treat. The treatment depends on the severity. Treatments can be as simple as cleaning out the infected pockets and treating the infection with medications. In the more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the gums and prevent further tooth loss.
How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?
Prevention of gum disease, for the most part, is relatively simple. Brush and floss regularly, and see your dentist for proper cleanings every six months.
Proper oral care can prevent the buildup of plaque, which leads to gingivitis. Stopping gingivitis in its tracks can keep it from becoming more serious periodontitis.
In some cases, however, gum disease isn’t related to oral hygiene. In those cases, you will want to speak with your doctor about possible causes. If it is related to certain medications, your doctor may be able to change your prescription or provide other medications or methods to reduce drug-induced gingivitis. If it is related to nutrition, such as low vitamin C levels, your doctor may suggest a daily vitamin supplement.
Gairhan Dental Care Can Help
Regular cleanings are crucial in the fight against gum disease. Gairhan Dental Care can give your teeth a proper cleaning and remove any tartar built up on your teeth.
If you’re unsure whether you’re suffering from gum disease, schedule an appointment, and let us check for you. We can evaluate your teeth and gums for any signs of gum disease and recommend oral habit changes to prevent further deterioration.
Preventing gum disease can keep your teeth healthy and in place for many years to come.
