What is Gum Disease, and How Can My Family Dentist Help Me Prevent it?

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health concerns afflicting children and adults, and it causes gum inflammation that can lead to further tooth decay and even tooth loss if left untreated. In this article, you will discover the causes and symptoms of this awful disease and how to prevent it. Our family dentists at Direct Dental in our Pico Rivera office can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

What is the root cause of gum disease?

Its root cause, also known as periodontal disease, is bacteria accumulating on teeth and gums. It then causes irritation, inflammation, and, eventually, destruction of the gum tissue.
The gums become inflamed and tender and often bleed easily. As it worsens, gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form pockets of infection.

What are the four stages of the disease?

Gingivitis.

The gum tissue becomes inflamed due to plaque buildup, causing it to become swollen, red, and ooze liquid. That can cause bleeding in the gums when brushing or flossing.
Other symptoms include:
Bad breath.
Tenderness of the gum tissue.
A feeling of general discomfort around the teeth.
Fortunately, at this stage, the damage done to the gum tissue is reversible.

Periodontitis.

The plaque bacteria spread from the tooth’s surface down beneath the gum line, and that causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and create pockets of space for further bacterial growth. Eventually, the bone and connective tissue that supports the teeth become too weak, allowing the teeth to become loose.

Advanced periodontitis.

The pocket spaces have become more profound due to the continued destruction of the gum tissue and bones supporting the teeth. That causes the teeth to become loose and fall out. Sometimes, this stage is irreversible, and you must remove the tooth.

Advanced destruction.

The pockets around the teeth are so deep you can’t effectively clean the bacteria. Even aggressive treatment may fail to resolve the infection. Left untreated, it can cause irreparable damage to the bone and connective tissue.

How We Get Gum Disease

What 5 Problems can the disease cause?

Receding gums.

That occurs when plaque pushes the gums away from the teeth, exposing the sensitive root. It can result in severe pain and sensitivity to hot and cold foods.
The exposed root also makes it easier for bacteria to enter the area, leading to bacterial infection and further damage. Additionally, food can easily lodge between the teeth and gums, leading to an increased risk of tooth decay.

Periodontitis.

The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form deep pockets. Harmful bacteria often fill these pockets, damaging the bones and gum. Periodontitis can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory illness, and premature delivery in pregnant women.

Bad breath or halitosis.

The bacteria can also produce compound chemistry that causes unpleasant odors to develop in the mouth. It can become difficult for you to clean affected areas which can worsen the condition.

Teeth Loss.

That happens when the bones that support the teeth become weak and damaged due to infection. The only option left is the removal and replacement of the affected teeth.

Other general health problems.

Chronic inflammation might result in chronic diseases such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, and respiratory infections. Research has also established a connection between the disease, low birth weight, and preterm labor for pregnant women.

Is mouthwash good for periodontal disease?

Mouthwash can be an excellent tool to battle the disease. Besides reducing bad breath, it also helps to clear out bacteria and debris from your gums. It contains active ingredients like fluoride and antimicrobials that can neutralize the bacteria.

Mouthwash can also stop plaque formation, gum inflammation, and bleeding. It’s incredibly convenient as you only need to swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds twice a day.

Does the disease run in the family?

A University of Alabama research at Birmingham found a strong correlation between particular genetic variations and the disease. It suggested that you have a high risk of developing the disease if one or both of your parents had it.
While this might sound scary, there are plenty of ways to work toward better overall oral health. Talking to your dentist about preventive measures is a great place to start. They can offer personalized diet and hygiene advice to help reduce your odds of developing periodontal issues.

How can a family dentist help with the disease?

Regular checkups and cleanings prevent the diseases, as the dentist can help identify issues before they become serious. Additionally, your family dentist can provide tailored treatments to help reduce inflammation due to gingivitis.
Treatments may include root planing and scaling to smooth out rough patches on the teeth surfaces and removing plaque buildup. Lastly, a family dentist can monitor your oral health and provide tips for properly caring for your teeth.

How Can I prevent the disease?

Maintain a strict daily oral hygiene routine. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss once a day. An anti-gingivitis mouth rinse can also help fight plaque buildup on your gums.

Additionally, try to limit sugary snacks and drinks as much as possible. Sugar causes bacteria in your mouth, leading to inflammation of the gums. Finally, ensure you visit your dentist twice a year for checkups.

In conclusion, gum disease progressively affects gums and connective tissue leading to tooth loss if not adequately treated. Its root cause is a plaque that, when left untreated, triggers an inflammatory response from the body. Other contributing factors, such as genes, and poor oral hygiene, can also lead to the condition.

The best preventive measures are good oral hygiene, regular cleanings, and a healthy diet. It has four stages, with each step becoming progressively more severe. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking treatment as early as possible is essential.