Do you have swollen, tender gums that bleed when you brush or eat anything? If yes, then you may be suffering from gum disease. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. According to the Adult Oral Health Survey 2021, 1 in every 5 British Adults suffers from gum disease. But here’s the good news. Gum disease is treatable. More importantly, it is completely reversible if diagnosed timely.
So, what is gum disease and how does it affect one’s oral health and physical well-being? We will explain everything in this blog. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about gum disease and its management.
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
According to the US National Institute of Dental Craniofacial Research, gum disease refers to a condition in which the tissues supporting your teeth in the jawbones. The starting point of gum disease in virtually all cases is poor oral hygiene.
When one ignores regular oral hygiene measures such as brushing and flossing, it results in the formation of plaque and tartar deposits on the teeth. These plaque and tartar deposits provide an ideal breeding ground for the harmful bacteria, which release toxins that irritate the gum tissues and cause inflammation. When this happens, the gums start to detach from the teeth, resulting in the formation of “pockets”.
At this stage, gum disease is reversible. However, if it is not treated timely, it can lead to significant damage to the jawbones and even tooth loss.
What Are The Symptoms Of Gum Disease?
The typical signs of early-stage gum disease are red, swollen, and tender gums that bleed whenever you brush or eat anything. You will also observe that your gums have receded from their normal position. Some people may also experience bad breath during gum disease. This early-stage inflammation is called gingivitis. However, in the case of long-standing gum disease, there is widespread destruction of the bone tissue making the teeth mobile. Advanced gum disease at this stage is called periodontitis.
What Happens If Gum Disease Is Left Untreated?
As mentioned earlier, gum disease is reversible if diagnosed and treated timely. However, if it is left untreated for a long duration, it can lead to significant jawbone damage. As a result, the teeth become mobile in their socket. Further delay in seeking treatment will make the teeth so mobile that they start falling off.
How Can Gum Disease Affect Your Overall Health?
Did you know that gum disease not only affects our oral health, it can also have a direct influence on our physical health and well-being? For example, the harmful bacteria in the plaque and tartar deposits can travel through the bloodstream or the food to other body organs and cause serious, even life-threatening medical conditions, the so-called oral-systemic link.
If the bacteria enter the heart, it can result in the inflammation of the prosthetic heart valves. Similarly, research has shown that people with poor oral hygiene and gum disease are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Moreover, the risk of preterm or low birth weight is higher for pregnant women with gum disease than for healthy ones.
How To Avoid Gum Disease?
The good news is that gum disease is preventable. The NHS recommends the following measures to prevent gum disease in the first place:
- Oral Hygiene Maintenance – the main factor involved in the development and progression of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. So, by brushing your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste and flossing once every day, you significantly reduce the risk of gum disease
- Tooth-friendly Diet – a fibre- and nutrient-rich diet goes a long way in preventing plaque and tartar deposition, and keeping our gums healthy
- Regular Dental Checkups – by visiting your dentist regularly, you will ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy, and any underlying issues are diagnosed well before they cause any problems
Can Gum Disease Be Treated Without Surgery?
Early-stage gum disease, also called gingivitis can be treated non-surgically by improving oral hygiene maintenance and dietary care. However, if the disease progresses into an advanced stage, the only option is to treat it surgically through scaling and polishing. The procedure involves using an ultrasonic scaler to remove adherent plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth.
Is Gum Treatment Painful?
You may experience slight pain or discomfort during the surgical treatment of gum disease. However, your dentist will apply a topical anaesthetic agent on your gums so that you remain pain-free during the procedure.
Should I Use Soft Or Hard Bristles With Bleeding Gums?
It is advisable to use a soft-bristled toothbrush for teeth cleaning, particularly when one has gum disease. This is because a hard-bristled toothbrush will irritate your gums resulting in their recession and development of complications such as root sensitivity and decay. The same happens when one applies excessive force while brushing teeth. That is why dentists recommend using a soft toothbrush and using gentle brushing force for oral hygiene maintenance.
Gum disease is preventable and easily treatable if diagnosed early. However, long-standing gum disease can seriously affect one’s oral and physical health, and cause various complications, including tooth loss. That is why it is important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups. If you are looking for a dental practice in Rotherham for the treatment of periodontal disease, your best option is Precision Dental, where we provide all dental services under one roof, at affordable prices. So, join our patient family today and let us take good care of your family’s oral health and smile.
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