Causes of Gum Disease and How to Prevent It
Although there is a strong focus on leading a healthy lifestyle in Australia these days, many Aussies still suffer from numerous oral health concerns. Along with tooth decay, gum disease is one of the most common problems affecting people of all ages daily. According to Health Direct, 3 out of every 10 Australian adults suffer from a moderate to severe form of gum disease.
To help combat this problem, people need to be more aware of what gum disease is, along with the causes of gum disease and gum disease treatment options. Let’s take a closer look at gum disease for a clearer understanding of the issue and what can be done to prevent and treat it.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, which exists in different stages depending on its severity. The two main phases of gum disease are:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
First, gingivitis is the most common form of gum disease and also the mildest. If you suffer from gingivitis, it will present as gum inflammation, along with visual cues such as redness and swelling. Bad breath and bleeding gums are also common symptoms of gingivitis. When brushing your teeth, If you notice blood residues after rinsing your teeth with water, this could be a sign of gingivitis. Often, there is very little or no discomfort associated with gingivitis, so the condition sometimes goes undetected. However, your gums are not supposed to bleed. Unless you seek gum disease treatment for gingivitis, it could lead to more serious issues.
Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis reaches the next stage. It has developed into a more severe form of gum disease. Approximately 25% of the adult population experiences periodontitis at some stage throughout their lives, so more severe cases of gum disease are common. Periodontitis may or may not be painful, but it can result in gum recession (where the gum shrinks lower on the jawline and makes the teeth appear longer). Another common result of untreated periodontitis is the loosening of the affected teeth. Eventually, tooth loss is the prolonged result of not seeking a professional gum disease treatment.
Now that we’re more familiar with what gum disease is. Let’s look at some of the more common gum disease causes.
Causes of Gum Disease
Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common reasons why people develop some form of gum disease, whether mild, moderate, or severe. That’s not to suggest that everyone with gum disease fails to practise good oral health, as looking after your teeth and gums isn’t a 100% fail-safe defence against gum disease. Having said that, poor oral hygiene is a major contributing factor. Some examples of poor oral hygiene conduct include failure to brush your teeth regularly enough (or efficiently enough), not regularly flossing, infrequent rinsing of your mouth, and not using a medicated mouthwash on a consistent basis.
Lack of oral hygiene results in the buildup of plaque on your teeth and along the gum line. Plaque contains harmful bacteria that many of us are aware of. The harmful bacteria are what eventually lead to tooth decay. Well, nasty plaque also contributes to gum disease, plaque is one of the most common causes of gum disease in Australia.
Poor nutrition can also result in a person developing gum disease, as a healthy mouth depends on your diet. Poor nutrition also includes over-indulging in food and drinks high in sugar. Sugar not only creates plaque but also reacts with the bacteria found in plaque, leading to the secretion of those harmful acids that damage teeth and gums. Maintaining a good diet is a natural form of gum disease treatment.
Certain medications can lead to the development of a dry mouth. As saliva helps lubricate the teeth and gums and dilutes any abrasive acids that are secreted by plaque, a dry mouth can be a precursor to developing gum disease. Always drink plenty of fluids when on medication that dries out your mouth to maintain a good supply of saliva.
The taking of illicit substances is also known to damage teeth and gums. Regular consumption of alcoholic beverages is also a contributing factor to gum disease. Refraining from smoking tobacco and vape products also promotes good oral health.
Some health conditions can contribute to contracting gingivitis or periodontitis. For example, it’s quite common for individuals with diabetes to suffer from gum disease and potentially more severe cases of gum disease. Cardiovascular issues and immune disorders are other conditions that are other causes of gum disease.
Additionally, things like going through periods of stress, being pregnant, and experiencing puberty are also contributors to the development of gum disease. Sometimes, individuals are more prone to developing gum disease due to hereditary factors, so be sure to look into your family history.
These are the most common causes of gum disease, with poor oral hygiene likely being the most common contributing factor. Let’s now take a look at gum disease treatment options.
Treatment Options
While gingivitis and periodontitis are common, they are also treatable conditions with the right gum disease treatment. If you have gum disease, it’s not something to fear, and it’s certainly preventable and treatable.
You can prevent gum disease by following good oral hygiene practices, maintaining a healthy diet, and paying regular visits to your dentist. One thing that often leads to gum disease is a build-up of hard tartar on your teeth, and this tartar can be readily removed with professional teeth cleaning. It’s wise to book in for regular comprehensive check-ups and teeth cleaning to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. While you’re there, your dentist can also advise you on how to better care for your teeth and gums to prevent any issues from developing.
If you currently have gum disease, your dentist will perform a gum disease treatment procedure known as ‘periodontal therapy’. This may require several visits to your dentist, depending on the severity of your gum disease.
A deep cleaning procedure known as scaling is performed to remove plaque and calculus from the tooth and the root surface. This procedure reduces inflammation and irritation and prompts the healing process to begin. Once the procedure has been completed, your dentist will prescribe an in-home oral health routine that will continue the healing process and assist in the maintenance of gum disease.
For very severe cases of periodontitis, a specialist may be required to treat the problem.
Get a Check-up and Clean at Admire Dentistry
Make an appointment with Admire Dentistry in Arana Hills for a check-up and teeth cleaning session. Regular check-ups and cleaning procedures ensure the prevention of gum disease. Whether or not you require a gum disease treatment or another form of dental treatment, our team at admire dentistry is here for your dental treatment needs.
Our clinic is modern and relaxed, and it’s always our goal to offer pain-free dentistry for your comfort. If you currently have gum disease or wish to prevent it, get in touch with us today for a consultation and expert advice.
