Gum Disease: What It Is and How to Treat It Effectively

A healthy smile is more than just white teeth—it also depends on strong, healthy gums. However, gum disease is a common condition that can compromise oral health if left untreated.

Understanding gum disease, its causes, symptoms, and available treatments can help you take control of your dental health and protect your smile for years to come.

What Is Gum Disease?

Internal tooth rot, or periodontal or gum disease, occurs when bacteria from plaque develop infections inside the gum area. Plaque develops into tartar when people do not maintain proper oral hygiene.

Gum disease has two distinct progression stages.

1. Gingivitis—The first stage of periodontal disease features swollen red gums that bleed during tooth brushing and flossing. Fortunately, this phase of gum disease can be recovered through appropriate care measures.
2. Periodontitis—When gingivitis fails to receive treatment, periodontitis emerges as a worse stage of dental disease that attacks both bone tissue and tooth-supporting structures. This can lead to gum recession, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss.

Causes and Risk Factors

The development of gum disease happens due to multiple reasons, which include:

• Poor Oral Hygiene – Not brushing and flossing correctly enables plaque to form into hard tartar deposits.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use – The immune system is weakened by tobacco, which hinders gum healing.
• Genetics – Natural factors determine why some people risk developing gum disease more quickly than others.
• Diabetes – The high blood sugar levels within your bloodstream raise your chances of contracting infections like gingivitis.
• Hormonal Changes – The natural process of pregnancy and menopause, together with hormonal variations, increases gum sensitivity, which makes them more susceptible to disease.
• Medicines – Some medicines reduce saliva production, creating dry mouth conditions and promoting plaque buildup.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Early detection is crucial to preventing gum disease from progressing. Common signs to watch for include:

• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Pain when chewing

You need to consult a professional dental provider immediately whenever these symptoms appear.

How to Treat Gum Disease Effectively

Early gum disease treatment remains possible and successful, preventing patients from suffering severe consequences. Available treatments hinge on the degree of severity of the condition:

1. Improved Oral Hygiene

Better oral hygiene habits can help reverse the condition for mild cases of gingivitis. This includes:

• Patients need to brush their teeth two times each day using fluoride toothpaste.
• Daily flossing helps to eliminate plaque, which builds up between teeth.
• Using an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria buildup

2. Professional Dental Cleanings

Professional dental checkups and cleanings are the best way to remove plaque and tartar since toothbrushes alone cannot eliminate them. Your dentist will need to arrange for more cleanings if you are susceptible to gum disease.

3. Scaling and Root Planing

When the condition has progressed significantly, scaling and root planing become necessary for treating it. This involves:

• Professional removal of microbial plaque under the gum line is performed through scaling.
• Root planing is smoothing out dental roots to aid in gum reattachment.

4. Medicines

Dentists may sometimes prescribe antimicrobial mouth rinses, antibiotics, or other medicines to reduce bacterial infection and inflammation.

5. Surgical Treatments

For severe gum disease, surgical intervention may be necessary. This includes:

• Flap Surgery – Lifting the gums to remove deep pockets of infection
• Gum Grafting – Restoring lost gum tissue to protect exposed tooth roots
• Bone Grafting – Rebuilding bone that has been lost due to periodontitis

Preventing Gum Disease

Prevention is always better than cure. To maintain healthy gums, consider the following tips:

• Brush and floss daily – Proper oral hygiene is the best defence against gum disease.
• Visit your dentist regularly – Professional cleanings and exams help detect issues early.
• Quit smoking – One significant risk factor for gum disease is tobacco usage.
• Eat a balanced diet – Nutrient-rich foods support gum health and overall well-being.
• Manage health conditions – Controlling diabetes and other health issues can lower the risk of gum disease.

Take Action for Healthier Gums

Gum disease is a dangerous ailment that is treatable and even preventable. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want to maintain optimal gum health, don’t wait to seek professional advice.

If you’re looking for professional care for gum disease in Cheltenham, book an appointment with your dentist today. You may avoid problems and have a confident, healthy smile by taking a proactive approach to dental health.