Gum Disease: The Silent Threat to Your Oral Health

Do you sometimes skip flossing after brushing your teeth? Neglecting your gum health could have long-term consequences for your overall health. You could develop gingivitis, an infection that can spread throughout the body.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, about two in five adults ages 30 and older have periodontal (gum) disease. However, many people are unaware of the signs of unhealthy gums they should watch out for. 

How can you start preventing gum disease, and what treatments are available? Read on to find out! 

Gum Disease Symptoms

Saliva, food particles, and bacteria can mix within your mouth and form plaque. This tacky substance can hide on or between your teeth. If you fail to brush and floss it away, plaque can harden into tartar and release acid.

As plaque continues to spread, you could develop a bacterial infection.Your gums may become inflamed, causing gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.

Neglecting treatment can cause your gums to separate from your teeth. Your teeth may become loose or unstable as the infection spreads.

Common gum disease symptoms include:

• A change in how your teeth fit together (malocclusion)
• Sensitive teeth
• Partial dentures no longer fitting
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gums
• Bad breath that does not go away after brushing
• Pain when eating
• Pus between your gums and teeth
• Loose teeth

According to the American Dental Association, gum disease is a significant cause of tooth loss in adults. Losing teeth gives plaque and bacteria more space to hide, and you may lose more teeth, starting a vicious cycle.

Visit a dentist immediately if your teeth bleed when you brush or floss. Gingivitis is still treatable while it is in its early stages.

Your dentist will determine if you have gingivitis by:

• Checking for inflammation
• Measuring your gums with a probe
• Ordering X-rays

Risk Factors

Your risk of developing gingivitis may increase due to:

• Genetic factors
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Suppressed immunity
• Broken fillings
• Improperly fitted dental appliances
• Certain medications
• Smoking or chewing tobacco

According to the Centers for Disease Control, periodontitis disproportionately affects people living with diabetes (60%). Over 60% of American adults ages 30 and up who are smokers also have periodontitis. 

Tell your dentist if you believe you are at risk. They can provide personalized gum health tips based on your medical history. With their help, you can take preventative action to avoid unhealthy gums.

Visit your general dentist every six months for routine check-ups. You may not recognize the signs of gum disease on your own. They will ensure you begin treatment immediately before your gingivitis progresses.

Talk to your dentist if you are planning to or have recently become pregnant. Hormonal changes during pregnancy may increase your risk for gum disease and other oral health issues. Your dentist will review special considerations to help you receive optimal dental care during pregnancy.

Preventing Gum Disease

Start preventing gum disease at home by prioritizing your oral health. Brush your teeth using fluoride toothpaste each morning and night. Consider switching to an electric brush to remove plaque and bacteria thoroughly. 

Floss each night before bed. Flossing will remove plaque and food particles that are hidden between your teeth.

Talk to your doctor to make informed changes to your diet. They can recommend foods that are rich in gum-healthy nutrients like:

• Vitamin C (citrus, berries, and leafy greens)
• Vitamin B12 (eggs, milk, and meat)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed and fatty fish like salmon)

Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates, which may increase gum inflammation. These include white rice, white bread, and potato chips. A high-sugar diet can encourage plaque formation and cause other oral health issues.

Treatments for Gum Disease

After diagnosing you with gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing treatments are similar to routine dental cleanings. Treatment can remove the plaque and tartar irritating your gums before the infection spreads.

Scaling focuses on tartar above and below the gum line, while root planing removes them from the root surface. These treatments may cause bleeding and pain. Consider visiting a dentist who uses laser treatments, which can cause fewer side effects.

Your dentist may also recommend medication treatments for gum disease, including:

• Doxycycline (an antibiotic)
• Antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine
• Antibiotic microspheres featuring minocycline
• Oral antibiotics
• Time-release antiseptic chips containing chlorhexidine

Surgery

If your gum disease has advanced, your dentist may recommend oral surgery.Common procedures include:

• Flap or pocket reduction surgery (osseous)
• Dental crown lengthening
• Bone and tissue grafts

Your dentist may recommend pocket reduction surgery if your gingivitis is moderate to advanced. Treatment can help remove plaque and tartar deep under your gums.

A periodontist will cut into your gums during the procedure to create a flap. They will move your gums away from your teeth roots to clean away plaque and tartar. Once the area is clean, they will reposition your gums and close the incision.

They may recommend combining osseous with other regenerative procedures. A laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) involves using a handheld laser. The laser targets diseased tissue without damaging healthy tissue.

Bone grafting can replace the bone you have lost due to gingivitis. A periodontist may place bone grafting material in areas that have deteriorated.

Gum or tissue grafting involves covering exposed tooth roots. The procedure can thicken your gum line.

Your dentist will determine which option best suits your needs based on your health. Schedule an appointment right away to receive treatment before your gum disease progresses.

Avoid Unhealthy Gums in Roanoke, VA

Unhealthy gums can increase your risk of severe health conditions. Before that happens, talk to your dentist for personalized dental care advice. They can help you avoid gum disease before it affects your smile. 

Our team at Roanoke Dental Care is committed to helping you achieve a healthy, happy smile in a low-stress environment. Trust our compassionate services, experienced dental team, and patient-focused environment.

We will customize our high-quality services to ensure they meet your individual needs. Contact us now to schedule your next appointment.