Almost half of American adults currently have gum disease based on recent reports from the dental sector. While no one is immune to periodontal disease, the risk of developing this condition greatly increases beyond the age of 65. This is largely a preventable condition with the right measures. For those who are already suffering from gum disease, it may be reversible.
Considering the prevalence of gum disease, understanding the condition is essential. It can aid in prevention and help you get the early intervention you need to keep it under control if you’re already living with it. Read on to learn more about periodontal disease and when you need to see a dentist to prevent or treat it.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It starts off mild; in fact, most people don’t even realize they have it at first. If left untreated, though, it can gradually grow worse. Though it’s not usually painful in the beginning, it may cause discomfort as it progresses. Gum disease can also work its way into the jawbones and cause bone loss. In its later stages, it can cause tooth loss as well.
Types of Gum Disease
Gum disease progresses through varying levels of severity. Its earliest form is known as gingivitis. In this stage, buildup on the teeth can lead to gum inflammation if it’s not removed. That causes redness, pain, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, gum disease is usually reversible through regular brushing and visits to the dentist. It’s important to see a dentist as soon as you notice your gums bleeding after brushing or feeling more tender than usual.
Periodontitis is the next stage of gum disease. In this stage, gum inflammation, swelling, and discomfort grow worse. Gum tissue begins to pull away from the teeth. That creates pockets where bacteria can gather and cause infections. Those infections can break down bone tissue and the soft connective tissues that hold the teeth in place. At this point, the condition may not be reversible. Still, if you haven’t seen a dentist yet, now is the time. A dentist can treat your gums and help to prevent the condition from growing worse.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. Failing to regularly brush your teeth and floss or not brushing and flossing properly greatly increases your risk of developing gum disease. Smoking can make you more likely to develop periodontal disease as well. It also weakens the immune system, which makes the body less capable of fighting off infections and prevents your gums from healing properly.
Certain medical conditions can also make people more likely to develop gum disease. Those include diabetes, HIV, and cancer to name a few. Those conditions affect the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to deal with infections. Medications that cause dry mouth may also promote the development and progression of gum disease.
Preventing Gum Disease
As noted, gum disease is usually preventable with the possible exceptions of people who suffer from the previously mentioned medical conditions. Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly is one of the most effective ways to keep gum disease from developing. Be sure to brush along the gumlines to remove as much buildup as possible. At the same time, brushing your tongue can eliminate many of the bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
Beyond good oral hygiene, don’t overlook the importance of regular visits to the dentist for professional cleanings. At your twice-annual dental checkups, your dentist can spot the early warning signs of gum disease and mitigate them. That, in turn, will keep the condition from progressing to the point where it’s irreversible.