Gum disease is a serious problem in the UK, and it’s estimated that more than 45% of adults currently suffer from it to some degree. We’ve all heard of gum disease, but not everyone is aware of the causes, symptoms and treatment process.
If you suspect you may have gum disease, or would simply like to learn more, continue reading to find out everything you need to know – from symptoms and causes to treatment and prevention.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
There’s one main warning sign of gum disease that most, if not all, of us are aware of – spitting blood after brushing or flossing your teeth.
Whilst this alone should set alarm bells ringing, there are also some other crucial red flags you should keep an eye out for, including:
- Tender or swollen gums
- Bight red, dark red or dark purple-coloured gums
- Persistent bad breath or relentless bad taste in your mouth
- Shrinking gums
- Teeth becoming loose or falling out
As soon as you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should book an appointment with your dentist immediately for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
What causes gum disease?
The leading cause of gum disease is inadequate oral health.
Poor brushing and flossing habits allow plaque – a sticky film of bacteria – to build up on your teeth and around the gum line and harden into tartar, which is even trickier to remove than plaque.
As well as poor oral hygiene, there are many other risk factors, including smoking, taking medications that cause dry mouth, hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and menopause, and autoimmune diseases like lupus and Crohn’s disease.
If you’re at an increased risk of developing gum disease, keeping on top of your oral health – brushing and flossing twice a day and using an antibacterial mouthwash – is of paramount importance if you want to maintain a happy, healthy smile.
What are the different stages of gum disease?
There are four distinct stages of gum disease:
Stage 1: Gingivitis
Gingivitis is when a build-up of plaque forms around the teeth and, being the earliest stage of gum disease, it’s the easiest to treat.
Symptoms at this point are usually painless, which can make them difficult to detect, and the first noticeable issue is bleeding when brushing.
As soon as you notice this, make an appointment with your dentist to seek advice and treatment, and ensure you keep up with your oral hygiene at home for the best chances of a full recovery.
Stage 2: Slight periodontal disease
At this stage, it won’t be possible to reverse your gum disease, as the infection will have reached and started to destroy the underlying bone.
However, this doesn’t mean there’s nothing going for you, and it can be managed effectively with deep cleaning treatments and a sufficient at-home oral hygiene routine.
Stage 3: Moderate periodontal disease
This stage of periodontal disease is crucial and happens when the disease goes deeper, and bacteria begin attacking the bone and making their way into your bloodstream.
Again, at this point, periodontal disease is irreversible but can be managed effectively, but your dentist may recommend more intense cleaning treatments to eliminate deep-seated plaque and bacteria.
Stage 4: Advanced periodontal disease
In the final stages of gum disease, your gums may ooze pus, your teeth may become loose as bone loss continues, and you may experience severe pain when cleaning your teeth and eating/drinking.
It’s never too late to seek treatment, and you should do so immediately if you want to preserve your smile and overall health.
Treatment varies, but generally is much more extensive than those used for earlier stages of the disease, such as pocket reduction surgery, gum grafts and laser therapy.
How is gum disease treated?
Several treatments are used to treat gum disease, and the treatments your dentist recommends will depend on the severity of your condition, your health, whether or not you smoke, and treatments you’ve undergone in the past.
Some of the most common treatments include:
- Dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene – These treatments are most effective for those in the first stages of gum disease. With no bone loss at this point, this approach aims to eliminate harmful oral bacteria before the disease can progress.
- Scaling and root planing – This treatment is similar to the regular dental cleanings you might have had in the past, only it cleans deeper beneath your gums and removes plaque and bacteria that your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Pocket reduction (flap) surgery – For those with moderate to advanced gum disease, flap surgery may be recommended to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria that are so deep under the gums that even your hygienist can’t get to them.
- Bone grafting – If you’ve lost bone due to gum disease, your dentist can perform a bone grafting procedure to help replace the bone that you’ve lost. This procedure is often used alongside pocket reduction surgery
- Laser therapy – Laser gum treatment is used for a number of different reasons and can help regenerate lost bone and eliminate gum recession.
Can gum disease be prevented?
Absolutely.
There are plenty of ways you can prevent gum disease, and it starts with your at-home oral hygiene routine.
Being consistent with brushing and flossing – doing this twice every day – will help to keep plaque and bacteria build-up at bay and ensure your teeth and gums are in the best possible condition.
It’s also recommended that, if you’re a smoker, you nip this habit in the bud and also that you cut down on sugary foods and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay.
Concerned about gum disease?
Getting a gum disease diagnosis can be worrying, but with the right treatment, you can keep your oral health in check and even eliminate it altogether.
If you’re concerned about gum disease and would like to rule out your symptoms, find a holistic dentist near you today.