Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems affecting the British people. According to the British Adult Oral Health Survey, over 45% of British Adults suffer from gum disease. Unfortunately, gum disease and gingivitis not only affect the gums, but they are also considered a starting point for more severe oral and physical health-related complications.
But here is the good news! Gum disease is preventable and treatable. This blog discusses gum disease and gingivitis in detail so that you can protect yourself and your family from it. So, make sure you read this blog till the end.
What Is Gingivitis? How Do You Cure This Disease?
According to the American Dental Association, Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease. It simply refers to the inflammation of the gums. Common symptoms of gingivitis are:
- Red and swollen gums
- Gum bleeding, either spontaneously or when eating
- Pain and irritation
- Gum recession
- Bad breath
What Are The Causes Of Gingivitis And Gum Disease?
There are many causes of gum disease. However, the most common and primary cause of this problem is poor oral hygiene. Other causes and risk factors of gum disease, according to Healthline, are:
- Certain medications, such as steroids, contraceptives, anticonvulsants, and drugs used for cancer chemotherapy
- Gum injury caused by trauma or poor-fitting dental appliances (e.g., dentures)
- Genetic predisposition
- Pregnancy and hormonal changes
- Conditions that suppress immunity
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
In the majority of cases, the starting point of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. When regular brushing and flossing are neglected, a fine layer of food debris develops on our teeth called plaque. The dental plaque provides an excellent breeding ground for harmful bacteria that utilise the sugars in it and release harmful substances that damage our gums, causing gingivitis.
What Are The Initial Indicators Of Gum Disease?
The following symptoms may be considered as early warning signs for gum disease:
- Redness and swelling of the gums
- Gum bleeding while eating or brushing
- Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Teeth become slightly “raised” or “loose”
What Is The Yellow Sticky Layer Of Germs On The Tooth?
The yellow sticky layer that forms on the teeth is called plaque. It develops when we don’t brush or floss regularly. The plaque comprises food and bacterial debris. Over time, the plaque hardens and converts into calculus or tartar. Both plaque and tartar and the starting points for gum disease development. So, as long as you remove the plaque regularly through brushing and flossing, you don’t have to worry about gum or periodontal disease.
What Is The Difference Between Gingivitis And Periodontitis?
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage of gum disease. On the other hand, periodontitis is when the gums become severely inflamed, leading to irreversible bone damage and even tooth loss. The treatment for gingivitis simply involves improving oral hygiene. However, periodontitis treatment requires professional cleaning to remove the adherent plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth.
What Are The Four Stages Of Gum Disease?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are four stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis – This is the earliest stage, characterised by mild gum swelling, redness, and bleeding. This stage is completely reversible with enhanced oral hygiene care.
- Mild Periodontitis – in this stage, the disease-causing bacteria penetrate beneath the gums and release toxins that damage the fibres holding them to the jawbone and teeth. As a result, gaps or “pockets” begin to appear between the teeth and gums.
- Moderate Periodontitis – when mild periodontitis is not treated promptly, the harmful bacteria start degrading the bone tissue that supports our teeth in their sockets. As a result, the teeth feel “higher” and become loose.
- Advanced Periodontitis – in this stage, there is extensive, irreversible bone damage, making the teeth extremely mobile and even at-risk of falling out.
What Are Some Signs Of Healthy Gums?
Healthy gums appear pinkish and are free of swelling. Moreover, healthy gums don’t bleed upon brushing or while eating. Your dentist will let you know if you have healthy gums after a periodontal checkup.
How To Prevent The Gum Disease Known As Gingivitis?
The most effective way to prevent gingivitis or gum disease is to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Here are some ways you can prevent yourself and your family from gum disease:
- Brushing and Flossing – brushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily goes a long way in minimising plaque and tartar formation.
- Eating Healthy – eating a fibre-rich diet helps with natural cleansing of the teeth, thereby minimising the risk of gum disease.
- Visiting your Dentist Regularly – when you visit your dentist regularly for checkups, they will identify any developing gum-related problems before they cause significant damage. If needed, they may also perform professional teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar deposits from your teeth.
Can Gum Disease Cause Bad Breath?
Yes, gum disease is one of the reasons for having bad breath. This occurs because of the petrification of the food and bacterial debris in the plaque and tartar.
If you’re looking for a reliable dental practice in Rotherham to take care of your teeth and gum health, your best option is to visit Fitzwilliam Street Dental Care. We take pride in having the best dentists in town who are trained to take care of even the most complex dental problems. Request a free 30-minute consultation with our Treatment Care Coordinator and let us give you a healthy, lasting, and beautiful smile.
