How to Prevent Gum Disease: Expert Tips from a U of U Health Periodontist
How to Prevent Gum Disease: Expert Tips from a U of U Health Periodontist
Gum disease鈥攁lso called periodontal disease鈥攊s one of the most common dental problems worldwide. Nearly half of U.S. adults experience it at some point. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and even affect your overall health.
The good news? Gum disease is preventable.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease happens when bacteria build up around your teeth and gums and affect the structures of the teeth, such as gum tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. This can cause:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Bad breath
Unlike tooth decay, which creates cavities in the teeth, gum disease damages the bone that supports the tooth roots, leading to serious oral health issues if left untreated.
Gum disease is so common that 90% of the population has a form of the disease. It's primarily caused by neglect鈥攏ot brushing and flossing on a daily basis and not regularly going to the dentist.
Stages of Gum Disease
1. Gingivitis: The Early Stage
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, caused by plaque build-up on the teeth. Plaque harbors bacteria that irritate the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding when brushing.
"Bleeding gums are not necessarily caused by brushing too hard but are related to the bacteria building at the gum line," says David Okano, DDS, MS, section head of periodontics at the University of Utah .
Gingivitis is reversible with consistent brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist every six months.
2. Periodontitis: Advanced Gum Disease
If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, where gum tissue becomes swollen and recedes, forming pockets around the teeth. These pockets are spaces that deepen between the gum of the tooth due to the bone being resorbed. Individuals may notice:
- Loss of gum tissue between teeth
- Food getting caught between teeth
- Food underneath the gum tissue
- In severe cases, loose or shifting teeth
3. Bone Loss: Severe Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease can eventually lead to bone loss. In this stage, the loss of bone support causes the teeth to loosen. This phase is much harder to treat; in some cases, it鈥檚 untreatable, and in the most advanced cases, bone loss can result in tooth loss.
Studies have found that nearly experience the bone loss phase of gum disease. And about 8% are at the greatest risk for tooth loss. According to Okano, those aged 35 and older are far more likely to lose a tooth due to bone loss from gum disease compared to tooth decay.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Everyone is susceptible to gum disease, but some may be at greater risk. According to , the following groups have a greater severity of gum disease:
- Individuals over the age of 65
- Hispanic populations
- African Americans
- Current smokers
- Diabetic individuals
Periodontal Disease and Overall Health
Research shows gum disease isn鈥檛 just an oral health issue鈥擨t鈥檚 linked to , including:
- Diabetes (bi-directional relationship: gum disease worsens diabetes control, and vice versa)
- Heart disease and stroke
- Respiratory conditions
- Pregnancy complications (pre-term delivery and low birth weight)
- Kidney and pancreatic cancers
- Alzheimer鈥檚 disease
Prevention is the key to gum disease, Okano stresses. It's important to brush and floss your teeth daily and to see a dentist regularly. Those with more severe forms of gum disease may need to see a periodontist.
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