Sometimes, we get a little lax in our dental care routines and aren’t as thorough as we would like to be when taking care of our teeth. While a single missed flossing session isn’t the end of the world, dental problems can accumulate as your hygiene habits suffer.
Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems that can sneak up on you if you aren’t careful. At Hamilton Dental Associates, our dentists in Ewing, NJ, believe that catching gum disease early is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how to identify the signs of gum disease and ensure it is treated early. Let’s get started!
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, medically called periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is primarily caused by harmful oral bacteria that accumulate in the mouth due to poor oral hygiene. These bacteria can lead to plaque on the teeth and gums, which, if not removed, hardens into tartar and causes gum inflammation. Gum disease isn’t limited to the mouth, either. Long-term complications of a gum infection can include many other health conditions. In fact, gum disease is often pointed out as a leading cause of heart disease, coronary artery disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Gum disease isn’t limited to the mouth, either. Long-term complications of gum disease can include many other health conditions. In fact, gum disease is often pointed out as a leading cause of heart disease, coronary artery disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Common Types of Periodontal Disease
Before explaining how to defeat gum disease before it begins, it’s important to understand a little more about the different forms of periodontal disease. Here’s what you should know:
Gingivitis
The mildest form of gum disease is called gingivitis. Also called early periodontal disease, this type of gum infection rarely causes acute physical pain, but it does display other signs we can identify for quick treatment. The early stages of gingivitis include:
- Red, swollen, or puffy gums or other soft tissue in the mouth.
- Bleeding after brushing or cleaning between your teeth.
- Permanent teeth that feel like they are coming loose.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together.
If you have noticed any of these signs, consult your dentist. If your dentist confirms it is gingivitis, thorough tooth cleaning—including brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at least twice per day and flossing once a day—will help you manage and control the gingivitis.
Periodontitis
If you do not catch gingivitis early enough, it can continue to develop and become a much more severe problem. Periodontitis is a gum infection that occurs when gingivitis is left untreated and begins to worsen. This condition can be graded in three phases: early, moderate, and advanced periodontitis.
Signs of periodontitis include:
- Receding gums that make your teeth look longer.
- Excessive bleeding from teeth or gums.
- Loose or shifting teeth.
- Lingering bad breath and bad taste that won’t go away.
A visit to the dentist is the only way to combat this stage of gum disease. If left untreated, the bones around your teeth that hold them in place can become damaged, which can be a risk factor for significant bone loss. After your trip to the dentist to address this serious gum infection, an intense regiment of diligent brushing and flossing will help your gums recover.
How to Keep Gum Tissue Healthy & Prevent Disease
The best way to prevent periodontal disease is to adopt a comprehensive approach to your oral health care. By incorporating a few key practices into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gum disease and other oral health issues. Here are a few changes you can make today:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is the foundation of preventing gum infection and tooth loss. Here are some essential practices to include in your daily routine:
Brush Your Teeth
Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean all surfaces of your teeth, including the gum area. Make sure to replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
Floss Your Teeth
Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gum line. Proper flossing techniques involve gently sliding the floss between your teeth and curving it around each tooth to reach below the gum line.
Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash
Incorporate an antibacterial mouthwash into your oral hygiene routine to help reduce harmful oral bacteria that cause swollen gums. This can help prevent plaque and keep your gums healthy. Use it after you floss and brush your teeth.
Don’t Miss Dental Cleaning Appointments
Regular dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. These visits allow your dental hygienist to remove plaque and tartar buildup that cannot be eliminated with regular brushing and flossing. It is recommended that you schedule a dental cleaning at least twice a year or more frequently if you have a history of gum infection.
Monitor Your Oral Health
Be proactive about monitoring your oral health. Look out for warning signs of periodontal disease, such as bleeding gums, receding gums, persistent bad breath, or tooth loss. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your gum specialist as soon as possible.
Improve Your Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in your oral health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports your immune system and promotes healthy gums. Here are some dietary tips to consider:
Avoid Sugary Foods and Beverages
Sugary foods and beverages can contribute to plaque, which leads to gum disease. Limit your intake of sweets, sodas, and other sugary treats, and rinse your mouth with water after indulging to keep excess sugar away from your teeth.
Eat Nutrient-Rich Foods
Incorporate foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These nutrients help strengthen your immune system and maintain healthy gums.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your mouth hydrated and rinses food particles, plaque buildup, and bacteria away from your teeth. Staying hydrated also supports the production of saliva, which naturally helps cleanse your mouth.
Make Lifestyle Changes
Some habits can worsen — or improve — gum tissue health. Here are some lifestyle changes you should consider to prevent gum disease:
Stress Management
Chronic stress can weaken your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off a gum infection. Practice stress management techniques such as exercise, meditation, and adequate sleep to support your overall health and reduce your risk of gum disease.
Quit Smoking
Smoking and tobacco use are major risk factors for bone loss and gum infection. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing diseased gum tissue and improve your overall oral health. If you need help quitting, speak with your healthcare provider about available resources and support.
Education and Awareness
Educate yourself and your family about the importance of good oral hygiene and the facts about gum infection treatment. Encourage children to develop healthy oral hygiene habits early on and make oral health a priority for the whole family.
Treatment Options for Gum Disease
If you suspect you have gum disease, it’s essential to seek professional treatment for your teeth and gums promptly. Various periodontal treatments can help manage and treat gum disease. Depending on the different periodontal disease stages, we might recommend:
Medications
In the case of early periodontal disease, your dentist may prescribe antibacterial mouthwash or antibiotics to reduce infection and inflammation.
Nonsurgical Treatment
In the early stages of gum disease, nonsurgical treatments like scaling and root planing can be effective. The scaling and root planing process removes plaque and tartar from below the teeth and gums, which can help halt or reverse gingivitis.
Surgical Treatments
For advanced gum disease, surgical periodontal treatment may be necessary. Possible treatments include pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, or guided tissue regeneration, which are designed to help restore lost bone and gum tissue.
Got Bleeding Gums? Call Hamilton Dental Associates Today!
Maintaining healthy gums is essential for your overall well-being. By recognizing the warning signs of gum disease and taking proactive steps to prevent and treat it, you can ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for years to come.
If you suspect you have gum disease or want to learn more about maintaining good oral health, contact Hamilton Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment. Our team of experienced Robbinsville pediatric dentistry and adult dentistry professionals is here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health. So don’t wait until it’s too late — catch gum disease early and keep your smile shining bright!
