What is gum disease?
An infection of the soft tissues and bone that support the teeth is known as gum disease (also known as periodontal disease). When your dentist refers to gingivitis, remember that it only affects soft tissues and is the mildest or moderate form of gum disease.
More advanced forms of the disease infect bones and supporting structures of the teeth. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
What causes gum disease?
Plaque and bacteria buildup in the mouth, hormonal shifts, smoking, nutritional deficiencies, some prescription medications, uneven teeth, and even genetics can all increase your risk of developing gum disease.
Bleeding gums are an indication that you may have gum disease, so make an appointment with your dentist if you notice that your gums are bleeding. Because your mouth contains millions of bacteria, good oral hygiene is essential every day in order to disrupt the bacteria.
If you leave it too long, your body will try to rid itself of the undisturbed bacteria by sending more blood to your gums. Excess blood can cause swelling, soreness, bleeding, and redness. Your body believes it has an infection, which is known as gingivitis, and it will not heal until the source of infection is removed.
Bacteria can be found in plaque, tartar, or calculus, pockets beneath the gums (in cases of advanced gum disease), cavities, abscesses, and chipped teeth. They may also hide in old dental work, as repairs to your teeth create an edge or margin to which bacteria can adhere.
What can I do to avoid gum disease?
There are no real 'tips and tricks' when it comes to avoiding gum disease. The best way to avoid developing gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene habits, plain and simple.
None of the factors mentioned above can cause gum disease to develop and thrive on their own. It will be very difficult for gum disease to take hold if you follow a strict and thorough oral hygiene routine.
For example, while you may be predisposed to plaque buildup (due to genetics), if you brush and floss your teeth twice a day and visit your dentist on a regular basis for professional cleanings and checkups, gum disease will be prevented from progressing.
Whether due to a hormonal shift caused by pregnancy, taking prescription medication, or being a regular smoker, the most common cause of gum disease is the unchecked development of bacteria and plaque in the mouth.
A good oral hygiene routine can usually prevent gum disease. While the issues listed above can raise your risk (and make prevention more difficult), whether it develops is determined by the daily decisions you make about your oral health practices.