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Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Gingivitis is reversible with a good brushing and flossing routine, as well as a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist on a regular basis. Use of a water flosser or interdental brushes can help remove plaque in places where your toothbrush cannot reach. In the earliest stage, gums are red and swollen and may bleed when you brush or floss. This is gingivitis, the first step in periodontal disease, and it’s completely reversible.

With untreated gingivitis, bacteria move under the gum line and start to eat away at the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. This is a more serious problem and can cause your teeth to become loose and eventually fall out.

Risk Factors

Risk factors are occurrences or characteristics that increase the likelihood of developing periodontitis (gum disease). The word ‘risk’ implies a greater chance of experiencing an illness, not a certainty.

Modifiable risk factors include smoking, poor oral hygiene, diabetes, genetics, stress, nutrient intake and ageing. Non-modifiable factors include family history, infrequent professional dental visits, and the presence of fillings or other restorations that may be difficult to clean.

A number of systemic diseases such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis have been shown to be linked with periodontitis through an indirect mechanism (inflammation), a direct mechanism (infection), or both. In addition, other conditions such as pregnancy, menopause and clenching or grinding of the teeth (bruxism) can also be associated with an increased risk of gum disease because of their impact on the body’s ability to fight infections. Risk assessment is becoming increasingly important in periodontal treatment planning and should form an integral part of each comprehensive dental/periodontal evaluation.

Symptoms

Over time, bacteria build up on the teeth and form a sticky substance called plaque. If brushing and flossing are not done consistently, the bacteria spread beneath the gums and cause infection. Infection damages the tissue and bone that hold the teeth in place. If not treated, the damage can destroy the structure of the jawbone and lead to tooth loss.

In addition, scientific research has linked periodontitis to other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke. That’s why it is important to report swollen, tender or bleeding gums to your dentist right away. They can help you get back on track to a healthy mouth and body!

Treatment

In its mildest form, gingivitis, periodontal disease may be reversed with good brushing and flossing practices along with regular dental cleanings. Bacterial toxins from plaque can cause infection and inflammation of the gums and destroy tissue and bone around your teeth. Without treatment, it progresses to moderate periodontitis. This stage includes symptoms like pain when chewing, bad breath and gum recession. It can lead to tooth loss and other health problems like heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications.

X-rays can help us determine the extent of the damage. We will do a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing to remove infected gum tissue, plaque and tartar and smooth the surface of your tooth roots. We can also use regenerative procedures to stimulate your own natural bone and tissue to repair the damage. These include bone grafting, membranes and tissue-stimulating proteins.

Prevention

Patients with good oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings can typically avoid periodontitis, even if they have a genetic or medical condition that increases their risk. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once per day, and using an antibacterial mouthwash in addition to dental visits every six months will help prevent the buildup of tartar.

Gingivitis is reversible in the early stages, but left untreated it progresses into periodontitis, which is irreversible. As the gum pockets deepen, bacterial toxins attack the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place. The teeth become loose and eventually fall out.

Recent research has proven a direct link between gum disease and systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The best way to protect your heart and body is to practice excellent oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing twice daily, seeing your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups, and eating a balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods.

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