What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, a bacterial infection also known as periodontal disease, is a common oral health problem for people of all ages. If you notice inflamed, sensitive, or bleeding gums when you brush and floss, you could have gingivitis, a mild type of gum disease caused by plaque build-up on your teeth and along your gum line. Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause your teeth to become loose or possibly fall out.
Everyone has plaque in their mouth throughout the day, so you have not failed in the area of good oral hygiene. But you can always do better to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. The good news is that with proper oral care at home and regular visits to your dentist for a comprehensive exam and professional cleaning, gingivitis is usually reversible.
What Is Plaque?
When bacteria accumulate around your gum line, it develops into a soft, sticky, colorless layer of film called plaque. If you do not remove plaque through good home care, it can harden into tartar. Both plaque and tartar cause gum disease.
Your best defense is good oral care at home:
- Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time. In addition to the chewing surfaces, make sure you brush the front and back sides of your teeth.
- Clean your tongue with your toothbrush to remove even more bacteria from your mouth.
- Clean between your teeth. Use dental floss, a water flosser, or an interdental brush to get between your teeth and under your gum line to remove bacteria and food debris and help reduce inflammation.
- Use mouthrinse for extra cleaning and protection. Ask your dentist to recommend a fluoride or antimicrobial rinse to help you control bacteria in your mouth.
When brushing, use gentle pressure, not overly aggressive strokes. Also, old toothbrushes or a brush with frayed bristles do not clean your teeth as well and are likely to harbor bacteria. Replace your toothbrush at least every three months. Ask your dentist about the type of toothbrush and toothpaste that are best for your individual dental needs.
What Are the Symptoms of Gingivitis?
Generally, gingivitis is indicated by the following symptoms:
- Swollen, sensitive gums that have changed in color from pink to red.
- Bleeding gums when you brush and floss.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
Gum disease may have progressed to periodontitis if you have the following symptoms:
- Receding gums.
- Longer-looking teeth with visible roots.
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- A change in your bite, or how your teeth fit together.
What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Gingivitis
The primary cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, but other health and lifestyle factors can contribute to gum disease:
- Smoking, tobacco use, and a high-sugar diet.
- Health issues like pregnancy complications, obesity, and chronic stress.
- Medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
- Side effects from certain medications.
- Age and heredity factors.
Gingivitis: A Common Problem
An estimated 47 percent of American adults over age 30 have gingivitis, or early-stage gum disease. Gingivitis symptoms are not always obvious, so the best ways to deal with gum disease are good oral hygiene at home and regular checkups with your dentist. If you notice any changes or unusual developments in the health of your gums, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible instead of waiting for your next checkup.
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