Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a very common dental problem that often develops when daily oral care habits slip or bacteria build up over time. This build-up of bacteria can cause an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place and, if left untreated, it can increase the risk of tooth loss.
The first stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. This may be when you start noticing your gums feel tender, look red or swollen, or bleed slightly when brushing. When plaque and tartar remain on your teeth too long, your gums become red and swollen, and if it progresses without treatment, it may eventually affect the bone and tissue that support your teeth.
If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it hardens into dental calculus, or tartar, within 24 to 72 hours. Bacteria form biofilms on teeth, which then mineralise into calculus, primarily made up of calcium phosphate. This mineralised plaque sticks firmly to teeth, making it difficult to remove without a professional clean.
Causes Of Gingivitis
We’ve all heard that regular brushing and flossing are important. When oral hygiene slips, plaque can build up and harden into tartar. However, in addition to poor dental hygiene, other factors may come into play. Having misaligned or crowded teeth can make it more difficult to clean the areas between the teeth, leading to an accumulation of bacteria and ultimately causing gingivitis.
People who smoke are more susceptible to gum infections because smoking reduces blood flow to the gums. Smoking also weakens the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infection and impairing the healing process. Smokers tend to produce more plaque, the most common cause of gum disease, and smoking can mask the signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums and bad breath, making it harder for smokers to recognise problems early on.
Having a weakened immune system can affect many areas of our health, including our gums. Conditions like diabetes, if poorly controlled, can weaken the immune system. In addition, certain medications like oral contraceptives or anticonvulsants can increase the risk of gingivitis by disrupting the body’s ability to repair and maintain gum tissue.
Some medications can reduce saliva, which helps wash away bacteria and keep your mouth fresh, therefore increasing the chance of bacterial build-up. Natural hormonal shifts during puberty, pregnancy or menopause can sometimes make gums more sensitive and susceptible to inflammation.
Dietary factors like poor nutrition or eating an increased amount of sweet and sugary foods will naturally impact our whole well-being, weaken the immune system and contribute to gingivitis. Hydration and rinsing your mouth help to wash away bacteria and food that may otherwise stay in your mouth.
Signs And Symptoms of Gingivitis
It’s not always easy to tell if you have gingivitis, especially early on. Initially red, swollen gums that can bleed easily when brushing or flossing are one of the first signs of gingivitis, and this can cause gums to be tender or sore to the touch. Persistent bad breath, even after brushing, is an indicator of gingivitis, though it’s not always easy to notice this yourself.
As gingivitis progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth, creating gaps known as gum pockets, which can then create more space for bacteria to accumulate. This can lead to sensitive teeth, especially to hot or cold foods, and can cause tenderness or pain when you chew. Further infection and inflammation will cause the gum tissue to shrink and pull away from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth root. This may eventually lead to gum recession or tooth loss if not treated.
What To Do If You Suspect You Have Gingivitis
Regular check-ups with your dentist are all part of maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Your dentist can perform regular check-ups and professional cleaning as part of this routine; however, if you suspect you may have gingivitis, it’s worth booking a check-up, even if your last visit wasn’t that long ago.
Your dentist will inspect your mouth for any signs of bleeding, inflammation or infection, loose teeth or gum recession. If they suspect you have gum disease, then taking dental X-rays will show if it has affected your jaw bone. Depending on the severity of the gum disease will determine the treatment, which may involve sending you to a periodontist, or specialist in gum health.
Treating And Managing Gingivitis
Treating gingivitis means getting rid of any infection and restoring your teeth and gums to a healthy condition once again. Your dentist or periodontist will give your teeth a thorough and professional clean, using gentle but effective professional tools to remove hardened plaque and tartar build-up effectively. This will allow them to clean not just the surface, but also below the gumline where bacteria can hide. They can also plane your teeth roots, which smooths the surfaces and prevents bacteria from sticking.
Once your teeth are properly cleaned, you’ll be encouraged to keep up good daily care, like regular brushing and flossing. You may also need to use an antimicrobial mouthwash for rinsing your mouth after brushing, to help destroy any disease-causing bacteria.
Other ways to help reduce the risk of developing gingivitis are to reduce the consumption of sugary foods or drinks, stop smoking, effectively manage any health issues like diabetes, and see your dentist regularly for check-ups.
The good news is gingivitis can usually be reversed if caught early, so be vigilant with your teeth and protect your beautiful smile.