Maintaining a healthy mouth involves more than just the teeth—the gums require special attention as well. Gum disease is one of the most common oral health issues that dentists treat, but it is easily preventable with the right dental care. Learn more about this oral disease below to help you enjoy a healthy, beautiful smile. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Disease

What causes it? 

Gum disease typically results from poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing every day or not seeing the dentist every six months for deep cleanings and checkups. Lacking dental care allows plaque to build up along the gumline and irritate gum tissue. Plaque is a sticky biofilm that feeds on sugary food particles, causing gum irritation and tooth enamel to wear down. 

Other gum disease risk factors include immune-compromising illnesses such as HIV and cancer, a family history of oral diseases, and smoking. Cigarette smoke impedes blood circulation in the gums and makes it harder for them to heal. 

What are the symptoms? 

Typical gum disease symptoms include swollen red or purplish gums, bad breath from excessive plaque and bacteria in the mouth, and bleeding gums. Symptoms can also include gums that feel tender to the touch, painful chewing, gum recession, blood in the sink after brushing and flossing, and loose teeth. 

As the gums recede because of excessive plaque, teeth loosen and can fall out. Abscesses, or pockets of pus, can also form on infected tooth roots. If an abscess drains, it creates a foul taste in the mouth. 

How is it treated? 

While there is no cure for gum disease, it is possible to manage symptoms with twice-daily brushing, once-daily flossing, and routine visits to the dentist. Depending on the severity of the disease, dental scaling and planing might be necessary. Scaling and planing involve removing bacteria from gum pockets, which form as the tissue recedes and pulls away from the gums. Since these pockets allow bacteria to build up, routine dental scaling and planing might be necessary. 

How can I prevent it? 

Preventing gum disease requires home care diligence, such as brushing your teeth using circular motions for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. Aggressive back-and-forth brushing contributes to gum recession and enamel wear. It also helps to see your dentist regularly for deep teeth cleanings and checkups. 

Additional preventative measures include drinking plenty of water to flush food particles from the mouth and encourage saliva production, which contains acid-neutralizing enzymes. 

If it’s time for your next checkup, make an appointment with Smile Solutions Dental Group. The dentists at this Hialeah-based practice have kept South Florida residents smiling beautifully since 2013, and they provide top-tier general, family, and cosmetic dentistry services. Call (305) 640-5501 today to make an appointment or visit the website for more about this practice.