Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. Gum Disease also known as Periodontal Disease begins with bacterial growth in the mouth, the localized inflammation of the gingiva is initiated by bacteria in the dental plaque, which is a microbial biofilm that forms on the teeth and gingiva. Nearly 70% of the people are affected by this disease at some point in their life. Though such a prevalent disease most people are unaware of the issue and the problems it can cause.

Causes of Gum Disease

The primary cause of Gum Disease is poor oral hygiene. If you are not brushing or flossing properly, then the chances of bacteria build-up are high. However, there are other reasons as well such as:

Smoking or chewing tobacco which makes difficult for gum tissues to repair

Consuming certain medications (oral contraceptives, steroids, anticonvulsants, calcium channel blockers, and chemotherapy) lessen saliva flow that protects teeth and gums. Some medicines even cause the abnormal growth of gum tissue.

Crooked or misaligned teeth

Hormonal changes such as puberty, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy etc. can make your gums sensitive and as a result prone to gum diseases.

Certain illness such as cancer and HIV make your immune system weak are at higher risk of developing gum disease. Also, people who are diabetic are more prone to get Gum Disease.

Genetic susceptibility such as family history can contribute to gingivitis

Symptoms of Gum Diseases

Bleeding of gums when you brush or floss your teeth

Pulling of gums away from the teeth

Teeth loosening

Change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite (malocclusion)

Pus between teeth and gums

Pain while chewing

Teeth sensitivity

Tender, red or swollen gums

Ill-fitting partial dentures

Foul breath that doesn’t go away even after brushing

Deep space formation between gums and teeth

Stages or Types of Gum Disease

The stages of Gum Diseases are as follows:

GINGIVITIS

This is the first stage of gum disease, caused due to the plaque build-up on gums. If the plaque is not gone after brushing and flossing, then it can cause irritation. In this stage, you will notice your gums bleeding while brushing and flossing. Because bone is not affected in this stage, the chances of recovery are quite high.

PERIODONTITIS

Gingivitis if not treated on time, can lead to Periodontitis. This stage starts affecting your bone. Spaces are formed between bone and gum line as a result, bacteria will get a space food lodgement. If you visit your dentist on time then Periodontitis can be prevented. Periodontitis is an advanced gum disease.

ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS

This is the final stage of your gum disease where your bone is destroyed making your teeth loosen further. This can only be saved with surgery. And if the case is very advanced then even surgery cannot save your tooth, as a result, your dentist has to extract your tooth.

Treatment option of Gum Disease

The treatment option depends on the stage of Gum Disease. It also depends on your medical history and your overall health.

The treatment options range from non-surgical therapies to surgical treatments.

The non-surgical options include:

Deep Cleaning

This is done in the very initial stage of developing a Gum Disease. Your dentist will remove the plaque or tartar (which hardens the tooth surface) from below and above the gum line. It is a preventive measure which helps you to save from getting gum disease.

Scaling & Root Planning

This is also a deep cleaning process. The only difference is that your dentist will give local anesthesia to start the process. Plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gum line and after that, the rough spots are made smooth. The process of smoothing helps to remove the bacteria. This is done only if your dentist finds that you have calculus deposits under the gum.

Surgical treatment includes:

Flap Surgery

In this, incision is made on the gums to remove the tartar. Sometimes the irregular surface of the bone is smoothened so that there are no areas for bacteria which cause this disease can hide. This method is used to remove the gap between gums and tooth.

Bone Graft

This method is used to regenerate the bone. The dentist use fragments of synthetic bone donated bone or your own bone which is used to replace the bone destroyed due to gum disease

Soft Tissue Graft

This method is used if the gums are receded. Gums are taken from the roof of the mouth and is stitched to the area of gum recession.

Guided Tissue Regeneration

Done along flap surgery when bone which supports your teeth are destroyed. Your dentist will insert a small piece of mesh-like fabric between your bone and gum tissue.

Prevention of Gum Disease

Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste).

Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth.

Visit your dentist after every 6 months for a routine check-up and professional cleaning.

Quit smoking

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. Can Gum Disease Be Treated On Its Own?

No, gum diseases cannot be treated on its own. Gum diseases are caused by the development of tartar on the teeth leading to gum infection. This requires dental cleaning and good oral care routine. Get professional cleaning at your nearest Clove Dental clinic.

Q.2. How Long Does It Take For Gum Disease To Be Cured?

Gum diseases are categorized into 4 stages, gingivitis, slight periodontal disease, moderate periodontal disease, and advanced periodontal disease. Curing gum diseases and gum infection depends on the stage at which treatment begins. The recovery time at stage one is 10-14 days.

Q.3. Is Gum Disease Treatable?

Yes, gum diseases are treatable. The recovery and treatment duration depends on the stage at which a gum infection is identified and preventive measures are taken.

Q.4. What Is The First Sign Of Gum Disease

The first sign of gum disease is red, tender and swollen gums that cause discomfort and pain. Gums can also bleed while brushing, which is commonly considered as a sign of gingivitis-stage one of gum diseases.