Smile Brighter: Your Guide to Preventing Gum Disease

By ignoring proper oral health practices, all patients are vulnerable to gum disease, whether it is gingivitis or periodontitis. Both conditions can directly lead to tooth loss, so you must know what the symptoms are, how you can treat each one, and preventative steps to avoid them altogether. Our team at Whittier Premier Dental, which is located in Whittier, California, has summarized the key information and facts relating to gum disease. 

What is gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when bacterial growth within your mouth forms and, if untreated, it can result in tooth loss because of the impact on the tissue that surrounds your teeth.

Generally, you will experience gingivitis (gum inflammation) before periodontitis (gum disease), though not all cases of gingivitis result in periodontitis later. The majority of dental patients experience gingivitis at some stage in their lives, but the symptoms are mild. 

As gingivitis is in its early stages, the bacteria in your plaque grow and it causes your gums to become inflamed. When this occurs, gums often bleed easily during tooth brushing, but your teeth remain tightly planted in their sockets because no extensive bone or tissue damage has begun. 

If you neglect brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, plaque (a sticky film of food and bacteria) builds up around your teeth. Plaque then releases acids that break down your enamel (the teeth's outer shell) and create decay. In a few days, the plaque will harden into tartar, forming along the gum line and causing difficulties when you attempt to clean your teeth and gums thoroughly. Such buildup will eventually irritate and inflame your gums, which results in gingivitis. 

With periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone will recede from the teeth and create pockets. The small spaces that form between the teeth and gums will collect debris and perhaps become infected. Toxins and poisons will gradually break down the bone and connective tissue that secures your teeth in place. Once the disease progresses, the pockets expand, and additional gum tissue and bone are impacted. When it reaches this stage, the teeth are loosened and possibly lost. 

Symptoms of gum disease

There are a few symptoms of gum disease that you should be aware of, such as: 

• Gums that regularly bleed when you brush your teeth
• Red or swollen gums (healthy gums are pink and firm)
• Receding gums 
• Constant bad breath or a poor taste in the mouth
• Noticeably deep pockets between the teeth and gums 
• Shifting or loose teeth 
• Alterations in how your teeth fit together during a biting motion
• Changes in how your partial dentures fit 
• Discomfort when chewing
• Sensitive teeth
• Pus between your teeth and gums 

Speak to our dentist in Whittier if you have these symptoms

You should contact our dentist at Whittier Premier Dental immediately if you believe that you have gum disease, as it can be effectively treated in its early stages. If you have any symptoms of gum disease, like red, swollen, or easily bleeding gums, then schedule an examination with our dentist. He or she can diagnose any gum disease and provide you with treatment solutions. 

Hereditary link to gum disease 

Hereditary factors play a significant role in the development of gum disease, a condition that affects the health of your gums and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. While gum disease primarily results from poor oral hygiene practices such as inadequate brushing and flossing, genetics can also contribute to an individual's susceptibility.

Certain genetic traits can make some individuals more prone to gum disease than others. These genetic factors may affect the immune system's response to bacteria in the mouth and the body's ability to control inflammation. Additionally, the structure and strength of the gums and teeth can be influenced by genetics, making some people more vulnerable to gum disease.

tages of gum disease 

Stage one – gingivitis

First, inflammation will occur in the gums, which is known as gingivitis. This can be the result of inconsistent brushing and flossing, but it can be treated with regular cleanings from our dentist. 

Stage two – early periodontal disease

In this stage, your gums will recede or pull away from your teeth, causing pockets to form between the gums and teeth. Like gingivitis, it stems from poor oral health practices and it can be reversed with regular dental cleanings. 

Stage three – moderate periodontal disease

You can experience bleeding and pain around the teeth, combined with gum recession if you allow the disease to progress to this stage. Again, this is caused by inconsistent oral health care, which might require your dentist to treat it with scaling, root planing, or antibiotics. 

Stage four – advanced periodontal disease

In the advanced stage, the connective tissue that secures the teeth in place will start to deteriorate. Your gums, bone, and other tissue that keep the teeth supported will be destroyed. Dental surgery will be needed at this point, such as flap surgery, bone grafting, soft tissue grafts, or guided tissue regeneration. 

Gum disease treatment plan overview

Great oral hygiene is the best way to treat gum disease and you should also avoid smoking any tobacco products. 

For deep cleaning of your teeth, you can opt for scaling (removes tartar from above and below the gum line), root planing (a process that smooths rough areas and eliminates plaque and tartar from the root surface), or laser treatment (might be a more comfortable alternative to removing tartar). 

You can also ask our dentist about various medications that treat gum disease, including antiseptic mouthwash (used to disinfect your mouth), antiseptic chips (inserted into pockets following root planing), oral antibiotics (treat worrisome areas of gum inflammation), antibiotic microspheres (applied into pockets after scaling or planing), and doxycycline (an antibiotic that prevents enzymes from causing tooth damage). 

A severe case of gingivitis might require gum surgery from a periodontist, such as: 

Flap surgery

A procedure that involves the gums being lifted back as plaque and tartar are removed from the larger pockets. Your gums are then sutured into their ideal place. 

Bone & tissue grafts

If your teeth and jaw are excessively damaged, grafting can be utilized. A bone graft will allow your body to regenerate any bone in the jaw that was previously lost, while a gum graft relies on the tissue from the roof of your mouth to cover the vulnerable tooth root. 

Dietary changes that can improve gum disease

Because bacteria in your mouth worsens when it is exposed to sugars and starches, you are advised to avoid junk food and candy. Instead, consider these nutritional alternatives: 

• nuts
• vegetable oils 
• green leafy vegetables
• broccoli
• potatoes
• citrus fruits 

Future gum disease prevention tips 

Consistent oral hygiene will help prevent gum disease. You are advised to regularly see our dentist for checkups, brush your teeth twice per day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and eat a nutritious diet. 

For more information about gum disease and its potential effects on your oral health, contact the group at Whittier Premier Dental. If you suspect that you have gum disease, please call us at (562) 695-1219 or visit our office in Whittier, California and we will confirm whether that is the case.