Brushing and flossing is the foundation of preventing oral disease. Even if we brush or floss every day, we can still develop oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Gum diseases can be really bad for the health of your teeth as they may get decayed and infected. It is believed that the main cause of gum diseases is not maintaining an oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing.
However, even if you're an excellent and consistent brusher/flosser, you may still be at risk of developing gingivitis. Such risks are: Family history and genetics – if your parents are prone to gingivitis, you likely will be as well. Diet – if you aren't getting enough vitamin C, you're at risk.
Gums can become inflamed by hormonal fluctuations – especially fluctuations in hormones during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Hormonal fluctuations can cause increased blood flow to the gums, which can make them more tender and susceptible to irritation.
If you have gingivitis, which is the earliest form of gum disease, you'll likely notice inflamed, red, swollen, and bleeding gums. In this stage, the infection is still reversible. In contrast, periodontitis is a far more severe condition characterized by deep pockets that form in between teeth.
Gingivitis usually clears up after a thorough professional cleaning — as long as you continue good oral hygiene at home. Your dentist will help you plan an effective at-home program and a schedule of regular professional checkups and cleaning.
In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults.
Early signs of gum disease include swollen, tender and reddish or purplish gums. You may see a buildup of plaque on your teeth. As the disease worsens, you may notice loose teeth and pus along your gum line.
Mild cases of gingivitis can be treated through daily brushing and flossing, and bleeding may stop within a week or so as the inflamed gums settle down.
If you have mild gingivitis, it can take weeks or even months for it to turn into periodontitis. However, if you have severe gingivitis, it can progress into periodontitis in as little as a few days. This is why it is so important to see a dentist as soon as you notice any symptoms of gingivitis.
Four out of five people have periodontal disease and don't know it! Most people are not aware of it because the disease is usually painless in the early stages. Unlike tooth decay, which often causes discomfort, it is possible to have periodontal disease without noticeable symptoms.
Luckily, the early stages of gum disease can be alleviated and reversed with proper dental hygiene, including flossing.
Almost half, 47.2%, of all adults aged 30 years and older have some form of gum disease. Gum disease increases with age. 70.1% of adults 65 years and older have periodontal disease. Smoking can put you at risk for gum problems.
In its early stages, gum disease is easily treatable. Your dentist can guide you through treatment and provide helpful brushing and flossing tips to get your gingivitis under control. They can also help remove the buildup of plaque and tartar during cleanings.
Symptoms of gum disease can affect various areas of the mouth. Gums may be red, swollen, tender, or bleeding. The gums may pull away from the teeth making them appear longer. Loose or sensitive teeth.
Swollen or puffy gums. Dusky red or dark red gums. Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss.
Dentists are experts in keeping gums and teeth healthy. During a check-up they examine your mouth, teeth and gums to spot any problems. Dentist treatment for gum disease can often be the first defence against it and they may recommend a professional clean or scale and polish.
Incidents of periodontal disease (gum disease) do increase with age, but gum disease can start at any time. Most people do not begin to show signs, however, until they are in their 30s or 40s. It is also more common for certain demographics: Men (56.4%) vs.
During the early gingivitis stages, gum inflammation can occur in as little as five days. Within two to three weeks, the signs of generalized gingivitis become more noticeable. If you still leave this untreated, it would progress to slight periodontal disease.
Gum disease treatment may be nonsurgical or surgical, depending on the stage of disease and your oral and overall health. Nonsurgical treatments include scaling and root planing and antibiotics. Surgical options include pocket reduction surgery and guided tissue regeneration.
Mild cases of gum disease can usually be treated by maintaining a good level of oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly. You should also make sure you attend regular dental check-ups.
Brush your teeth twice a day, in the morning and at night. Use a toothbrush with soft, rounded-end bristles and a head that is small enough to reach all parts of your teeth and mouth.
Can reduce plaque and gingivitis: When combined with regular brushing and flossing, mouthwash can help flush away the pesky particles that lead to gum disease. Again, your best bet is to go with a therapeutic formula containing essential oils. Fights cavities and tooth decay: In this case, fluoride is your friend.
But the condition may get even worse if left untreated. They may experience receding gums, loosening teeth, or tooth loss when it progresses into severe periodontal disease. If you wonder if you can live with this disease, the answer is yes.