Despite being easily preventable, gum disease is a common condition that affects around half of the adults in the US. When treated early, gum disease can be reversed and the health of the oral tissues restored. When it’s allowed to progress, however, gum disease is more destructive and more difficult to treat. As it progresses, it affects more of the oral tissues, spreading from the gums into the connective tissues that hold the teeth in place, the bone that supports the teeth, and the teeth themselves, eventually causing the destruction of these tissues and the loss of the teeth. Understanding the causes and characteristics of gum disease can help you prevent it from developing and ensure that it won’t progress, allowing you to keep your teeth and preserve your oral health.
Also known as gingivitis, gum disease is an infection in the gums caused by a proliferation of bacteria. As this infection spreads, it begins to invade the tissues that support the teeth; these tissues are called the periodontium, or periodontal tissues, and this infection is known as periodontitis. Periodontitis can lead to loose teeth, loss of gum and bone tissue, and tooth loss. Many people don’t realize that periodontitis is also related to certain systemic health conditions, including heart disease and dementia; if the health and integrity of the oral tissues aren’t enough of a reason to prevent periodontitis, understanding the larger risks might help.
Plaque is a naturally occurring, sticky biofilm that develops in the mouth when bacteria and food debris mix with saliva, clinging to the surfaces of the teeth until it is removed by brushing, flossing, and rinsing. It’s difficult to remove every trace of plaque, though, even with a dedicated home hygiene routine, and small amounts of plaque commonly remain in harder-to-reach places on the teeth. As plaque settles in, it calcifies, hardening into tartar, which can only be removed safely by a dental professional. When plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, especially at the gum line, the bacteria they contain cause irritation and inflammation in the gums. This inflammation is the beginning stage of gum disease. Some common symptoms of early-stage gingivitis are visible swelling in the gums, redness, or bleeding while brushing or flossing, though some early gingivitis is asymptomatic. Early treatment is integral to stopping the progression of gum disease and returning the oral cavity to health, underscoring the importance of routine dental checkups – especially when the condition is asymptomatic and wouldn’t be detected otherwise.
When gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, the gums recede, creating pockets where plaque and tartar can colonize behind the gums and at the tooth root, which expands these pockets, and the cycle continues. As more oral tissues are exposed to bacteria, they are gradually infected and destroyed, leading to tooth loss, bone loss, and gingival damage that can only be repaired with surgical approaches. In its earlier stages, the progression of periodontitis can often be halted with a periodontal treatment called scaling and root planing, which thoroughly cleans and sterilizes the teeth below the gums and around the root and reshapes the tooth to discourage further bacterial growth. This treatment can help the gums return to their normal position around the teeth, restoring their protective function and preventing the need for invasive surgical procedures down the road.
Ideally, you’ll stop gingivitis from progressing, or even from developing in the first place, by following a diligent oral hygiene routine that includes twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, and regular dental checkups and cleanings. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist every six months. Are you up to date on your checkups and cleanings? Call your dentist and make sure you’re doing everything you can to prevent the ravages of gum disease from destroying your smile.
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