What Is Periodontal Disease/Gum Disease?
What Causes Gum Disease?
Poor oral hygiene. Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of gum disease. The ADA recommends that you brush at least twice a day and floss daily. It is also recommended that you have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. Skipping any part of this oral care routine can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria, both of which can irritate your gums.
Alignment issues. If your teeth are crooked, they are harder to keep clean, leaving areas where buildup can occur.
Lifestyle habits. Habits such as smoking or drinking can increase your risk. Smoking restricts oxygen in your blood and slows blood flow, which slows the delivery of essential nutrients to your gums. Excessive alcohol can cause dry mouth, which creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth.
Hormonal changes. Pregnancy or menopause can increase your risk.
Certain types of medications. Some medications can cause dry mouth.
Nutritional deficiencies. A well-balanced diet is essential for your overall health. Certain nutrients such as vitamin C and B12 aid in healthy gums.
What Symptoms Should I Watch for?
Chronic bad breath. Bacteria and food particles trapped below the gumline can lead to bad breath that just will not go away.
Gum recession.
Tooth sensitivity, which is a result of root exposure.
Gaps forming between your teeth.
Loose teeth.
Tooth loss.
How Is Gum Disease Treated?
Scaling and root planing. This is a deep cleaning of your teeth that are designed to remove buildup from the surfaces of your teeth.
Laser treatment. If the gums are too swollen for a thorough scaling and root planing, a laser can be used to remove infected tissue so that your teeth can be properly cleaned. Lasers can also be used to kill bacteria in periodontal pockets.
Pocket reduction surgery. This treatment is done when the pockets are too deep for effective cleaning.
Gum grafts. A gum graft restores a natural gumline following gum recession.
Bone grafts. If you have lost bone mass, a bone graft can restore the shape and strength of your jaw.