Gum Disease: Causes and Treatments

Summary

Gum disease occurs due to long term bacterial growth in the mouth and can lead to gum deterioration and loosening teeth. Prevention through a thorough oral care routine is the best way to protect your gums and keep your mouth healthy. To remove more of the plaque bacteria that contribute to gum disease, brush twice daily with an electric toothbrush. The Oral-B iO2 adapts to each of your unique teeth to thoroughly sweep away more plaque bacteria from the gumline.

What is gingivitis, gum disease or periodontitis?

Gum disease, also known as Periodontitis, can lead to gum deterioration and loosening teeth, often caused by long term plaque bacterial growth on gums and teeth. Plaque bacteria can also cause tooth decay in the form of cavities as well as other oral health issues including sensitivity, yellow teeth, and bad breath.

Gum disease usually starts out as gingivitis, with red and irritated gums, and progresses to a more serious, although fairly rare condition. Periodontitis affects the area just below the gum line, between your teeth and gums, breaking down the tissue that holds your teeth in their sockets. Once this tissue has been destroyed, more and more bacteria accumulate leading to gum infection.

What causes periodontal or gum disease?

Plaque bacteria is the primary cause of gum disease, using an electric toothbrush is the best way to combat plaque buildup and maintain healthy teeth and gums. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease. These include:

• Hormonal changes with pregnancy, puberty, menopause, makes gums more sensitive and easier to develop gingivitis. 
• Illnesses as cancer, HIV, or diabetes that interfere greatly with the immune system puts people at a higher risk of developing infections such as cavities and periodontal disease. 
• Medications can affect oral health. Some lessen the amount of saliva your mouth produces which acts as a protectant for your teeth and gums. Other drugs can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue. 
• Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to numerous oral problems but ultimately make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself. 
• Poor oral hygiene such as inconsistent brushing or flossing 
• Family history or gum or dental disease can be a contributing factor as well.

Gum disease symptoms

• Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums 
• Receding gums 
• Pus around gums 
• Chronic bad breath 
• Loose teeth 
• A noticeable change in the way your teeth sit or fit together, as gum disease can weaken the hold on your teeth causing them to shift. 
• If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see your dentist to determine the severity of the gum infection and how you can treat it.

Gum disease treatments

Depending on the severity of the infection there are different treatment options that you'll discuss with your dental professional.

• Antibiotics: Either prescribed as pills or an injection right into the infected gums 
• Root Planing and Scaling: With advanced gum infections, this treatment cleans deeply between your gums and teeth all the way to the roots. 
• Flap Surgery: In the most severe cases of gum disease, flap surgery may be necessary involving bone or tissue grafts. 

How to prevent gum disease or gingivitis?

• Prevention is the best way to protect your gums and keep your entire mouth healthy.
• Brush twice a day with an electric toothbrush like the Oral-B iO2 to remove 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush. Pair it with a fluoride toothpaste to gently neutralize bacteria trapped around the gum line. 
• Floss daily and be sure to get in between each and every tooth to remove food particles that cause plaque and tartar build-up. 
• Use an anti-gingivitis mouthwash to eliminate bacteria that causes plaque. 
• Visit a dental professional at least twice a year for a professional cleaning. They'll be able to assess your oral health and give you a deep clean you can't achieve on your own at home.

Tips for Healthy Gums and Strong Teeth

Summary

Gum surgery as a category is made up of various procedures for treating gum recession, periodontal disease, or cosmetic issues. Understanding the different types of gum surgeries, what to expect during the procedure, and how to care for yourself afterward can help you feel more confident and prepared.

A periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease, performs gum surgeries and can guide you in the best procedure to address your condition. Treatments include Gum Grafting, Gingivectomy (removal of excess tissue), Crown Lengthening, and Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). Each has benefits depending on the condition of the affected gum tissue.

With the right surgery and proper aftercare, along with continued oral hygiene practices, your teeth and gums will feel healthier, and you will face the world feeling more confident.

Maintaining Your Smile After Gum Surgery

After your gum surgery, establishing a gentle yet effective long-term oral care routine is crucial for protecting your investment and maintaining your newly restored gum health. Once your periodontist gives you the green light to resume normal cleaning, using the right products can help prevent future issues and keep your smile healthy and confident.

Your personalized daily oral care routine can help preserve any dental work done and maintain a stronger smile going forward:

• Brush 2X/day with an Oral-B iO Electric Toothbrush: To prevent the plaque buildup that can lead to gum disease, a powerful yet gentle cleaning is key. Once your gums have fully healed, an electric toothbrush like the Oral-B iO can help maintain your results. It removes up to 100% more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush, and its Smart Pressure Sensor alerts you if you're brushing too hard, which helps protect your healing gums
• After removing the decayed material from teeth, fillings and restorations are used to finalize the procedure. When compared to a regular manual toothbrush, electric toothbrushes like the Oral-B iO, help remove 100% more plaque—the main culprit of tooth decay such as a cavity.
• Use a Crest Fluoride Toothpaste: Brush with a toothpaste that’s formulated with fluoride such as Crest to reinforce enamel strength and reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease while also promoting a healthier mouth to support the dental work that has been done.
• Clean Between Teeth with an Oral-B Water Flosser: Cleaning between the teeth is critical to help prevent a recurrence of gum disease. Especially while gums are healing, a water flosser can be a gentle and effective way to flush plaque and food particles from around the surgical site (on a low, gentle setting, as advised by your periodontist) and the rest of your mouth.
• Rinse with a Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Mouthwash: Your periodontist may recommend an antimicrobial rinse immediately after surgery. For long-term health, rinsing with an alcohol-free, anti-gingivitis mouthwash like Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection helps kill the bacteria that cause plaque and gingivitis, reducing the risk of future gum problems without the burn of alcohol.

Pair professional dental procedures with a personalized at-home oral care routine of brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, you can better support the long-term success if your treatment for a healthier, more confident smile.