We all know the importance of daily brushing for preventing cavities and maintaining healthy teeth. However, many people overlook the need to provide the same degree of care for their gums.
Early Periodontal (Gum) Disease: Gingivitis
Early gum disease is known as gingivitis, and reflects an inflammation of the gums (’gingiva’). Symptoms include: painful, swollen, and/or bleeding gums; gums that look shiny; gums with a bright red or purple tinge; and/or gums that are painful to the touch.
Plaque-the sticky buildup of food and bacteria found on and in-between your teeth-doesn’t just cause tooth decay-it also causes gum disease. Plaque eventually hardens and becomes tartar, which irritates the gums and leads directly to gingivitis.
Most people suffer from gingivitis at some point in their lives. Certain medications, diseases (like diabetes), and conditions (like pregnancy) can contribute to its development. However, gingivitis is normally preventable and reversible. A regular routine of thorough brushing and flossing, as well as seeing a dentist regularly, will reverse gingivitis. Recent studies have shown that rinsing with mouth wash can help to cure gingivitis just as well as flossing can.
Advanced Gum Disease: Periodontitis
If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, which is an infection of the gums and surrounding bone. Symptoms include: gingivitis; loose teeth, bad breath, and/or receding gums (which make teeth appear longer).
Dentists specializing in advanced gum disease are known as periodontists. If you are suffering from periodontitis, your regular dentist may be able to treat you, or they may refer you to a periodontist. This degree of gum disease is usually diagnosed by x-ray, which reveals bone deterioration around tooth sockets.
While advanced gum disease is usually treatable, doing so is usually more painful and more involved than treating gingivitis. Your dentist will need to perform a thorough cleaning to remove tartar and plaque, which can cause temporary discomfort to tender gums. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to clean deep within the gums. A dentist may also suggest securing and/or extracting any loose teeth that result from the disease.
Preventing Gum Disease
Seeing a dentist at least once a year (twice is even better) is essential for preventing and diagnosing gum disease. If you believe you are suffering from some form of gum disease, it is much easier to start reversing the damage early on, during the gingivitis stage, than waiting until it has developed into periodontitis.
A combination of brushing and flossing is the best way to fight plaque and prevent gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, ideally right after breakfast and just before going to sleep. Use a firm back-and-forth and up-and-down motion, and reach both sides of every tooth; replace your brush every few months to ensure strong bristles. It should take at least two full minutes to clean your mouth each time; use a clock, a timer, or even a favorite song to make sure you don’t skimp.
The American Dental Association provides its seal to oral hygiene products that meet its criteria for safety and effectiveness. Look for this seal when shopping for toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental flosses, mouth washes, and all other dental care products.
