Gum Disease Treatment | What Causes It?

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the result of an infection and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support your teeth. In its early stage, gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed due to irritation. In its later stage, periodontitis, the gums begin to pull away from your teeth which causes your teeth to loosen or even fall out and may cause bone loss in your jaw. While periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults, children have been known to get it. Either way, it starts with a lack of proper oral care.

Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to oral health. A recent report from the Dental Association, related to periodontitis, says that 47.2% of adults aged 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease and that it increase with age. 70.1% of adults, 65 years and older have periodontal disease and this condition is more common in men than women (56.4% vs 38.4).

Causes of Gum Disease

Bacteria in our mouths start to infect tissue surrounding our teeth, which causes inflammation and leads to periodontal disease. When bacteria stays on our teeth long enough, it forms a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar, also called calculus. Tartar buildup can spread below the gum line, which makes our teeth harder to clean. Then, only a dental health professional can remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease from progressing any further.

Gum Recession

Receding gums occur when the margin of gum tissue that surrounds your teeth wears off or pulls back, a process that exposes more of a tooth or its root. Pockets or gaps then form between your teeth and gum line, giving easy access for disease-causing bacteria to buildup. Untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of your teeth can be severely affected, eventually leading to tooth loss. Gum recession is an everyday dental concern seen in most patients, though many do not realize when they have it because the process transpires gradually. Tooth sensitivity is usually the first sign of gum recession, or a patient might notice a tooth that appears lengthier than normal. To confirm the presence of gum recession, a notch can often be felt close to the gum line. Receding gums can directly lead to further worries, so be sure that you contact our office if you believe there is a sign of it. Gums can recede for a number of reasons:

• Periodontal Diseases | The primary cause of gum recession, periodontal diseases are bacterial gum infections that infect gum tissue and the supporting bone that secures your teeth in place.
• Dental Care | Ineffective brushing, flossing, and rinsing with antibacterial mouthwash simply invites plaque to develop into calculus (tartar), a hard substance that grows on and between our teeth. Only a professional dental cleaning can eliminate it.
• Aggressive Brushing | Brushing strenuously can cause the enamel on your teeth to wear away, receding your gums.

Not only can gum recession make your smile appear imbalanced, but it can pose a serious oral health risk. When tooth roots become exposed, they are more prone to decay and do not receive the proper support from your gum tissue. Eventually, this can lead to more severe conditions, such as tooth loss. As a practice that prioritizes biological dentistry, we are proud to offer our patients conservative solutions that minimize trauma to their gum tissue and provides a more comfortable dental experience.

Prior to beginning treatment, we administer a local anesthetic to the treatment area. Typically, treatment time for each tooth is about one hour. After the procedure you may experience some swelling and minor discomfort, most patients require little to no downtime. However, for a few days following, you should avoid spicy and abrasive foods that could irritate the treatment area.

Bleeding Gums

Bleeding gums occur when the delicate gum tissue around your teeth becomes irritated or inflamed, often leading to bleeding during brushing or flossing. This condition is typically an early warning sign of gum disease and, if left untreated, can progress to more serious oral health concerns. Bleeding gums are usually caused by plaque buildup along the gum line, but they can also result from poor oral hygiene, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, or medications that affect blood clotting. While occasional bleeding might seem harmless, persistent bleeding requires attention to address underlying issues and prevent further complications.

Bleeding gums can occur due to several factors, including:

• Gingivitis | The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis causes redness, swelling, and bleeding due to the accumulation of plaque and bacteria on the gums.
• Poor Oral Hygiene | Inconsistent brushing and flossing allow plaque to harden into tartar, which irritates and inflames the gums, leading to bleeding.
• Aggressive Brushing or Flossing | Using excessive force while brushing or flossing can damage gum tissue and cause bleeding.

If not treated, bleeding gums can lead to gum recession, infection, and even tooth loss. Additionally, inflamed gums can indicate systemic health issues, as gum disease has been linked to conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental cleanings are essential to managing bleeding gums effectively.

At our practice, we prioritize gentle, effective care for patients experiencing bleeding gums. If needed, treatments may include professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup, along with personalized oral hygiene guidance to prevent recurrence. Early intervention is key to protecting both your gum health and overall well-being, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you notice bleeding gums.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone supporting your teeth if left untreated. It is an advanced stage of gum disease that typically begins as gingivitis, a milder form of gum irritation caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. As periodontitis progresses, it leads to gum recession, the formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums, and even tooth loss in severe cases. While periodontitis is common, it is largely preventable through proper oral hygiene and regular dental care.

Periodontitis develops due to several factors, including:

• Poor Oral Hygiene | Inadequate brushing and flossing allow plaque to harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and creates an environment for harmful bacteria to thrive.
• Smoking or Tobacco Use | Smoking significantly increases the risk of periodontitis by impairing gum tissue's ability to heal.
• Chronic Conditions | Diseases like diabetes and immune system disorders can make individuals more susceptible to gum infections.

Untreated periodontitis can lead to severe consequences, such as bone loss, loose teeth, and systemic health issues. Research has linked advanced gum disease to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems, highlighting the importance of addressing periodontitis promptly.

At our practice, we offer effective treatments to manage periodontitis, tailored to the severity of the condition. Non-surgical options, such as scaling and root planing, remove plaque and tartar while smoothing root surfaces to help gums reattach. For advanced cases, surgical procedures like flap surgery or bone grafts may be necessary to restore gum and bone health.

Early detection and consistent care are critical to controlling periodontitis and preserving your oral health. If you notice symptoms such as swollen, bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth, contact us for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

Prevention and Treatment

Gum disease can be controlled and treated with a proper oral hygiene regimen and regular professional cleanings by our office. More severe forms of gum disease can also be treated successfully, however, they may require a more extensive treatment plan. Such treatment might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below your gums, medications, and sometimes corrective surgery. To help prevent or control gum diseases, it is important to brush and floss twice a day to remove any bacteria that causes gum disease and to book an appointment with our office twice per year for checkups, or more frequently if you have any of the warning signs or risk factors mentioned above.