Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, is a chronic gum infection that requires a dentist’s services to manage. Learning what causes this disease can help you make oral hygiene adjustments that keep your gums pink and healthy. Take a look at how this disease forms and what you can do to mitigate your risks. 

What Is Periodontal Disease?

When dental plaque doesn't get removed daily via brushing and flossing, it builds up in the mouth, including along the gumline. Plaque is the sticky biofilm in the mouth that releases acids when it feeds on sugary food particles. Those acids cause tooth decay and irritate gum tissue. 

As plaque accumulates, it hardens into tartar under the gumline, causing further irritation. Tartar can only be removed by a dental hygienist or dentist. 

Warning Signs

The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis, which causes gum inflammation, redness, and bleeding. If gingivitis is allowed to worsen, plaque builds up under the gums and causes periodontal disease symptoms, such as gum recession. Pockets, or gaps between the teeth and gums, form that allow more bacteria to accumulate. Bacterial infections can reach the bone, causing the material to break down and teeth to loosen. 

Advanced periodontal disease occurs if teeth and bone loss are allowed to continue. Gum swelling and temperature sensitivities are also common with advanced periodontitis. 

Risk Factors

Poor oral hygiene is the biggest risk for periodontal disease. A sugar-heavy diet compounds the problem because it provides food for dental plaque to consume, releasing irritating acids. Smoking is a risk factor since it irritates the gums and restricts blood circulation in the mouth, which means soft tissues receive fewer nutrients. HIV and stress are also factors, as they impair immunity and subsequently the body’s ability to heal quickly. 

Preventative Tips 

Preventing gingivitis and gum disease involves brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid aggressive brushing to lower your gum recession risk. Floss once a day to remove food particles and bacteria your toothbrush cannot reach, and stay hydrated. Water flushes food particles from the mouth and encourages healthy saliva production, as saliva contains acid-neutralizing enzymes. 

Consume whole foods that naturally clean the teeth, including apples and celery, and see your dentist every six months for deep teeth cleanings and checkups. If your dentist notices any gingivitis symptoms, they might suggest using an antibacterial mouth rinse in addition to brushing and flossing. 

If it's time for your next cleaning and checkup, make an appointment at Gladstein Dental Center in New Britain, CT. This family dentist has provided oral care services since 1983, including advanced dental care for root canals and gum disease. Call (860) 223-1162 today to schedule your appointment or visit the website for a complete service list. Get more dental care tips on Facebook.