Understanding Gingivitis and Gum Disease

Having a healthy smile is more than just an aesthetically pleasing asset; it is a critical component in your overall oral health. Gum disease, from mild gingivitis to periodontitis, poses a significant threat to your oral and systemic health. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of gum disease, the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options. At Lighthouse Dental Practice, we want to emphasise the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and attending routine regular dental appointments.

Through a combination of professional care, patient education, and community outreach, we can significantly reduce the incidence and impact of gingivitis and gum disease.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease, characterised by inflammation of the gums. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form that affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth, potentially, in serious cases, leading to tooth loss. The primary cause is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Poor oral hygiene, hormonal changes, smoking, certain medications, and systemic conditions like diabetes can significantly increase the risk of gingivitis.

Symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing, bad breath, and mild gum tenderness – the good news is that gingivitis is reversible with proper oral hygiene and professional care.

Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. Plaque spreads below the gum line, producing toxins that trigger an inflammatory response, destroying once healthy tissues and bone. Symptoms include persistent bad breath, receding gums, pockets between teeth and gums, loose or moving teeth, and changes in the way that you bite. Periodontitis requires more intensive treatment and can result in irreversible damage.

There are several factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease:

• Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing lead to plaque accumulation.
• Smoking: Significantly increases the risk of gum disease and reduces treatment efficiency.
• Genetics: Family history can predispose individuals to gum disease.
• Systemic Conditions: Diabetes, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis are all linked to increased risk of developing gum disease.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can affect gum health.
• Medications: Some drugs reduce saliva flow, impacting your gum health.

Preventing gum disease is largely within reach with consistent and effective oral hygiene practices. These practices include using a soft bristled or electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth at least twice a day, daily interdental cleaning to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and below the gum line, using a mouthwash to reduce bacteria and plaque build-up, a balanced diet low in sugary and starchy foods and attending routine dental appointments for regular health checks and hygienist visits to help prevent and detect any early signs of gum disease.

Diagnosis:

Dental Examination: Dentists check for plaque, tartar, and signs of inflammation.

Periodontal Probing: Measuring pocket depths between teeth and gums assesses disease severity.

X-rays: Detect bone loss associated with periodontitis.

Treatment options:

Non-Surgical:

Professional Cleaning: Removal of plaque and tartar through scaling and root planing.

Antibiotics: Topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed to control bacterial infection.

Surgical:

Flap Surgery: Reduces pocket depth and cleans root surfaces.

Bone and Tissue Grafts: Promote regeneration of lost bone and tissue.

Maintaining healthy gums requires ongoing care!

Daily Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss effectively to prevent plaque build-up.

Follow-Up Appointments: Regular dental visits to monitor and maintain gum health.

Healthy Lifestyle: Balanced diet, no smoking, and managing systemic health conditions.

Understanding and preventing gingivitis and gum disease is essential for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. Through diligent oral hygiene, regular dental care, and a healthy lifestyle, the risk of gum disease can be significantly reduced. For those already affected, prompt and effective treatment can halt progression and preserve dental health.