What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease, and How Can You Prevent It?
Have you ever noticed your gums bleeding when you brush or floss? Or maybe your gums feel swollen or look redder than usual?
These could be early signs of periodontal (gum) disease, a common dental problem that can cause big issues if left untreated. The good news? Periodontal (gum) disease is preventable and treatable, especially if you catch it early. Here’s what you need to know about what causes it, what happens if it’s ignored, and how to keep your gums healthy.
What Happens If You Have Periodontal Disease?
Gum disease starts off mild, but it can get worse over time if you don’t take care of it.
1. Early Stage: Gingivitis
Gums may look red, feel swollen, or bleed when you brush or floss. The good news? At this stage, gum disease is reversible with better care and a professional cleaning.
2. Advanced Stage: Periodontitis
If gingivitis isn’t treated, it can turn into periodontitis. Gums may pull away from your teeth, creating deep spaces (called pockets) where more bacteria can grow. Over time, it can damage the bone that holds your teeth in place, making them loose or even causing tooth loss. Bad breath (halitosis) is also quite common.
3. Severe Stage
If periodontitis has progressed too far, your teeth may become too loose to function well. You may find yourself only chewing on one side, or that your teeth are moving with even a slight push. If you’ve lost some teeth previously, the remaining teeth will start to fail more quickly, because they are taking on more load than they were designed to.
What Causes Gum Disease? Gum disease happens when plaque—a sticky layer of bacteria—builds up on your teeth and gums. If plaque isn’t removed by brushing, flossing, or professional cleanings, it hardens into calculus (tartar) both above and below your gums, which can irritate your gums and lead to infection. Calculus can only be removed with a professional cleaning – it won’t be removed no matter how hard you brush or floss.
There are also a few other things that make gum disease more likely:
Brushing and flossing only once a day or less
Smoking or using tobacco
Diabetes
Stress, which can weaken your immune system
Hormonal changes (like during pregnancy or menopause)
How Can Gum Disease Be Treated?
The treatment depends on how severe the gum disease is:
Gingivitis: A professional cleaning and better brushing and flossing habits are usually enough to stop gum disease in its tracks.
Periodontitis: A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is needed to remove bacteria from below the gumline and help your gums heal.
Severe Cases: For more advanced periodontal disease, treatments like antibiotics or gum surgery may be needed to fix the damage. In very severe cases, a referral to a periodontist, or gum specialist, may be needed.
How Can You Prevent Gum Disease?
Preventing gum disease is simpler than you might think!
Follow these tips:
Brush Your Teeth: At least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss Daily: It’s the best way to clean between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar before they cause problems.
Don’t Smoke: Smoking weakens your gums and makes it harder for them to heal.
Eat a Healthy Diet: Foods rich in vitamins help keep your gums strong.
Why Gum Health Matters for Your Whole Body
Did you know that gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth?
Research shows it’s linked to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even complications during pregnancy. Keeping your gums healthy isn’t just good for your teeth—it’s good for your whole body.
Don’t Ignore the Signs!
If your gums are bleeding, swollen, or feeling sensitive or painful, don’t wait—get them checked out. At ALFIE Dentistry, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a simple cleaning or advanced treatment, we’ll work with you to protect your smile and your health.
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