Did you know that gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults? Despite its name, gum disease affects more than just your gums – it can also cause serious damage to the bone supporting your teeth.
What causes gum disease?
Plaque is the key cause of gum disease. Plaque is a film of bacteria that forms on the surface of your teeth every day, particularly along the gumline and between teeth. If not removed through regular brushing and flossing of your teeth, it can initially cause inflammation of your gums (gingivitis), and then progress to periodontal disease if left untreated.
Advanced gum disease can be damaging to your overall health. Medical research studies have found links to a range of other health issues including heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, respiratory disease and premature birth. The reasons for the link with these health conditions are not yet well understood but experts believe the bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream, causing inflammation and damage to other organs.
Symptoms
The first sign that you might have gum disease is the appearance of blood when brushing your teeth or flossing.
Some of the other main symptoms of gum disease include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums (sometimes)
- Loose teeth
Gum disease can progress painlessly quite quickly without any obvious signs or symptoms, making regular dental check-ups so important.
Risk factors
Many people think that gum disease only affects older people. This is not the case – it can affect anyone, regardless of their age.
Some people – depending on their lifestyle or medical history – are more likely to suffer from gum disease compared to others.
These risk factors include:
- Poor oral hygiene
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Genetics
- Vaping or smoking cigarettes
- Crooked teeth
- Taking certain types of medications
Treatment
The earlier you catch gum disease, the better your outcome will be. Regular visits to the dentist are essential to avoid gum disease becoming a serious issue. Your dentist is best placed to detect gum disease – even in its very early stages – and can then start treatment. Depending on how advanced your gum disease is, treatment can include deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, medicated gel or mouthwash, and in serious cases, a specialist referral may be required.
At Hampton Beach Dentists, we firmly believe that prevention is better than cure. To make an appointment for your next dental check-up, book online or call us on 03 9598 5666.
