What is periodontitis (gum disease)?
Periodontitis (often referred to as gum disease) is a progressive oral health condition that gradually invades your gums. Because it is typically painless in its early stages (gingivitis), it can easily evolve to an advanced stage before you become aware of any problems.
Plaque collects on your teeth and along the gum line, then hardens into a rough, porous deposit referred to as tartar or calculus. Pockets form between the teeth and irritated gums, and bacteria collect here, which can lead to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease. Once hardened, only your dentist will have the tools to remove plaque.
Once it reaches more advanced stages, periodontitis can lead to loss of bone structure and deterioration of gums - eventually even tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults.
That’s why removing plaque with a rigorous daily hygiene routine of brushing and flossing as well as attending regular dental hygiene appointments are key for prevention – and for maintaining a healthy smile.
How can I prevent periodontitis?
You already know that brushing thoroughly twice daily and flossing once a day are essential for keeping your mouth healthy, but there are also some less obvious ways of fighting gum disease and tooth decay such as:
Take inventory of your medications. Certain medications can contribute to and aggravate gum disease, including some antidepressants, heart medicines and oral contraceptives.
Increase your consumption of vitamins A and C. These vitamins are part of a healthy diet that can help prevent periodontitis. Conversely, cutting sugary and starchy foods from your diet may help to slow plaque buildup.
Have dental issues treated quickly? Have dental problems and oral health issues such as teeth grinding, and misaligned or crowded teeth addressed right away. It can be more challenging to properly clean teeth that aren’t properly spaced, thus providing room for plaque to grow and thrive.
Gently massage your gums. Along with brushing and flossing regularly (at least twice a day for two minutes each time for brushing, and once daily for thorough flossing), show your gums some love by gently massaging them to help increase blood flow to the gum tissue.
Use fluoride toothpaste. A good quality fluoride toothpaste can help to remove plaque buildup and bacteria from along the gum line without irritating gums.
Quit smoking. Smoking is not only strongly associated with the onset of gum disease, but it also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’re damaged, as smoking weakens the immune system.
Know your risks. Whether genetics, diet, age, smoking or other factors make you more susceptible to periodontitis, knowledge is power when it comes to reducing your risk and staying healthy.
Bonus: Ask your dentist about periodontal disease treatment. The earlier your dentist can detect periodontitis (if you do get it), the better. That's because it's easier to treat gum disease in its earlier stages than when it has advanced to the point that you start to lose teeth or jaw bone tissue. Depending on how far the disease has progressed and its severity, there are surgical and non-surgical options for treatment.
Regular oral hygiene - and reducing your personal risk factors - will go a long way in the fight to prevent gum disease. Your gums are as important as your teeth! When it comes to your oral health, be sure to take steps to protect the health of your whole smile.