Before we talk about the warning signs of gum disease, it seems prudent to talk about what gum disease is.  Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to build up on your teeth and harden.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Our mouths are full of bacteria. The bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque, but plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

There are a number of risk factors for gum disease, including:

• Smoking
• Diabetes and medications for diabetes that lessen the flow of saliva
• Aging
• Hormonal changes in girls and women
• Substance abuse
• Prescription medications that dry your mouth
• Obesity
• Inadequate nutrition
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Illnesses, such as leukemia, HIV/AIDS and cancer treatment
• Genetics

What Are the Warning Signs You Should Look For?

Dr. Shane S. Porter, of Premier Dentistry of Eagle discusses gum disease on his website.  Read on to learn a little more here as well!

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and is a mild form of gum disease. It commonly occurs because a film of plaque accumulates on the teeth. Daily brushing and flossing can prevent plaque buildup, which contributes to gum disease. Luckily, gingivitis is usually reversed with daily oral care, as well as regular cleanings by a dentist every six months.

Warning signs for gingivitis:

• Bright red or purple gums.
• Tender gums that may be painful to the touch.
• Bleeding from the gums when brushing or flossing.
• Halitosis, or bad breath.
• Swollen gums.

Although gingivitis is a non-destructive type of periodontal disease, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that causes gums to recede from teeth and form pockets that can become infected.  Medical News Today offers more information about gingivitis. Learning how to recognize symptoms can help you know when you have something you need to address.

Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth and can cause teeth to loosen or lead to tooth loss.

Warning signs for periodontitis:

• Loose teeth that move slightly when lightly pushed against by your tongue or finger.
• Spaces between teeth that look like little black triangles, is a sign that gums are receding.
• Untreated periodontitis can lead to more serious symptoms such as bone loss.
• Tooth sensitivity. Receding gums expose the root of the tooth to the oral cavity, which will start making teeth more sensitive to hot and cold food or beverages.
• If you’ve never had chronic bad breath but notice it suddenly seems to constantly be odorous.
• While not technically a symptom of the disease, grinding or clenching your teeth is a risk factor for gum disease. Grinding your teeth places excessive force on the supporting tissues of the teeth, and speeds up the rate of destruction.
• In case you need one more reason to quit smoking cigarettes, studies have shown that smokers have more tartar than non-smokers, which is a precursor to gum disease. Tobacco not only damages teeth and gums, it also rolls out the red carpet for infection-causing bacteria that can cause gum disease. Smoking can also make treatment for gum disease less successful.

Learn more about periodontitis from the Mayo Clinic.

Do You Think You Have Gum Disease?

Are you concerned you may have gum disease? If so, make an appointment with Dr. Porter at 208-546-0655. To check for gum disease, he will do all or part of the following:

• Examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
• Use a tiny probe to measure any pockets around the teeth.
• Ask about your medical history to identify conditions or risk factors (such as smoking or diabetes) that may contribute to gum disease.
• Take an x-ray to see if there is any bone loss.
• Suggest ways for you to take better care of your teeth and gums.
• Suggest a change in behaviors, such as quitting smoking as a way to improve your treatment results.

Treatment for Gum Disease

Gum disease treatment includes professionally cleaning the pockets around teeth to prevent damage to surrounding bone. Advanced cases may require oral surgery. Check out Dr. Porter’s website to understand his approach in caring for gum disease.

The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that you keep up good daily oral care at home.

If left untreated, periodontitis is fed by the various sources of sugars from our diet, which will evolve into more aggressive bacteria in your mouth. Research suggests that the bacteria responsible for periodontitis can enter your bloodstream through gum tissue, and is linked to respiratory disease, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease or stroke.

Gum Disease is Preventable

Although nearly 65 million Americans have some form of gum disease, it is largely preventable with good oral care. You can keep your gums and teeth healthy by doing the following:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss once a day – preferably at bed time – to remove plaque from between teeth.
• Visit Dr. Porter every 6 months for a check-up and professional cleaning.
• If you smoke, quit.

If you suspect that you have gum disease, call our office, 208-546-0655, for an evaluation. Dr. Porter is skilled in treating gum disease and will work with you to help deter the progression of this disease. Located at 467 South Rivershore Lane in Eagle, Idaho, Dr. Porter treats patients of all ages in the communities of Eagle, Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Star and Garden Valley. Let him help you get on the right track in caring for your teeth and gums.