Gum disease, also called periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an infection of the soft tissue of your gums. It occurs when plaque and bacteria build up along your gum line. Left untreated, it can damage bone, which increases your risk of tooth loss. The good news is that it’s often possible to reverse and prevent gum disease with consistent at-home care and routine dental maintenance, especially if you catch the signs early enough.
If you’re concerned about gum disease, or your dentist has recently diagnosed you, and you want to do everything possible to protect your smile and prevent more severe issues, here’s what you need to know.
What Should You Know About Gum Disease?
Gum disease develops when plaque and tartar build up around the gumline of your teeth. It’s different from gingivitis, the early version of gum disease, which is easily reversible. Gum disease or periodontitis occurs when gingivitis advances and requires more aggressive treatment.
Many people don’t consider gum disease all that serious, but it can lead to a variety of dental issues, including:
- Irritation, swelling, and reddening
- Bleeding
- Tooth loss
- Permanent bone damage
Left untreated, these problems can worsen over time and affect your overall well-being. Gum disease is also linked to health problems in other areas of the body, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Early Signs of Gum Disease
The earlier you catch and begin treatment for gum disease, the better. Treated early, it’s reversible and unlikely to cause severe damage. Early signs of gum disease include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Bleeding when flossing and brushing
- Bad breath
- Gum recession (the appearance of teeth looking larger)
What Can You Do to Stop Gum Disease?
The good news about gum disease is that it is entirely preventable. There are several things you can do at home to avoid problems. Many standard oral care habits are great tools for keeping your gums healthy. These include:
- Daily brushing and flossing
- Antimicrobial mouthwash
- Healthy diet limited in sugar and high in calcium-rich foods
- Routine dental cleanings and checkups
- Managing stress
- Quitting or avoiding smoking
If you are especially concerned about gum disease and want to go the extra mile for preventing it, consider:
- Creating a routine oral hygiene routine that integrates steps you may be prone to skipping; for example, if you occasionally skip brushing or flossing, make sure it’s a part of your daily routine.
- Upgrading to an electric toothbrush. It doesn’t need to be expensive, but it offers more thorough cleaning than standard brushes.
- Investing in a water pick or water flosser.
Your goal should always be to prevent gum disease from developing. While it is treatable, treatment costs more than prevention, and in some cases, can be uncomfortable. The more you do to prevent gum disease, the lower your risk will be for it and other health issues.
Professional Treatment for Gum Disease
If you’ve developed gum disease, you and your dentist can review treatment options together. Again, gum disease can be reversed in its early stages, but severe damage cannot be fully repaired. Professional treatment is the only way to stop the disease from progressing.
The most common treatment options for gum disease include:
- More frequent dental cleanings (three or more per year instead of the usual two)
- Deep cleaning, including scaling and root planing
- Antibiotic rinses
- Laser therapy
- Surgery
Preventing gum disease from returning requires a long-term commitment to your oral health. Gum tissue can recover in the early stages, but only if you stay consistent. Daily brushing and flossing make the most significant difference. A healthier diet, managing stress, and quitting tobacco also give your gums a better chance to heal.
Gum health is something you’ll need to maintain over time. Treatments are very effective, but gum disease can easily come back if you don’t keep up with good dental habits and regular checkups.
What Else Do You Need to Know About Gum Disease?
Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages, but quick action and consistent maintenance are needed. If you notice bleeding, tenderness, or swollen gums, don’t ignore the warning signs or put off dealing with the issue.
Prevention and regular professional care remain the most effective defenses against gum disease and long-term oral health problems. Call now to book a consultation with Dr. Pakroo, our in-house periodontic specialist. You can also ask questions and discover how to protect your gum health, preserve your smile, and avoid lasting damage.
