Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an illness that affects the soft tissues surrounding the teeth. Though typically mild in its early stages, it may progress and lead to potentially serious complications. Fortunately, there are several ways to treat and prevent it. Here's what to know about periodontal disease and promoting the health of your gums. 

Causes

Plaque is a film that gradually accumulates on the teeth and along the gumline as a result of consuming sugars and starches. Plaque contains bacteria, and as these microbes feed on sugars and starches, they rapidly reproduce in the mouth. Infrequent brushing and flossing causes plaque to harden and become a substance known as tartar, causing bacteria to become trapped where the gums meet the teeth. As a result, these pathogenic microbes absorb into and infect these tissues, leading to the first stage of gum disease, or gingivitis. 

As bacteria continue to absorb into the gums, they cause these tissues to recede and form pockets. Plaque, bacteria, and tartar collect in these pockets and sink more deeply into the gums, resulting in more advanced stages of periodontitis. If the infection worsens, it may eventually damage the jaw bone. 

Symptoms

The first symptoms of early gum disease typically include swollen, red, and tender gums that might bleed while brushing or flossing. As the gums become more infected, you may notice pain while chewing. More advanced stages of periodontitis can cause visible pockets to form in the gums and spaces to develop between teeth, which may lead to bite changes. If the infection weakens the gums, tooth loss can occur. Bacteria may also begin to deteriorate the jaw, leading to bone loss and more severe pain.

Treatment and Prevention 

A dentist can treat gum disease with scaling, which involves using an ultrasonic device to remove tartar and bacteria from beneath the gumline. They may also perform root planing, which can eliminate bacteria on tooth roots, preventing the infection from worsening and helping gums heal. In the case of more advanced periodontitis, oral surgery can reduce the size of gum pockets and accelerate the healing of tissues. You might also need soft tissue or bone grafts to restore the gums and jaw. 

Dentists recommend brushing twice and flossing once daily to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and along the gumline. This can reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and prevent tartar from forming, making periodontitis less likely to develop. Scheduling professional teeth cleanings twice per year may deeply clean the teeth and remove harmful microbes to offer extra protection against periodontal disease.

Treat and prevent gum disease with help from Bradley M. Stewart, DMD. This dentist provides teeth cleanings, oral exams, and dental procedures to clients throughout Olive Branch, MS. Call (662) 893-5800 to book an appointment with this family dentist, and visit them online to find out how their team can promote your oral health.