According to the American Academy of Periodontology, nearly half of Americans over the age of 30 have periodontitis, a gum disease that requires treatment from a dentist. It results from gingivitis, a common gum infection caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque along the gum line. While mild gingivitis can be reversed, it becomes irreparable once it progresses to periodontitis. Here’s a closer look at gum disease, its symptoms, and how to treat and prevent it.

Causes & Symptoms

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing gum disease, including genetics, diabetes, smoking, poor nutrition, and certain medications. However, the most common cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene, including failure to brush, floss, and see your dentist regularly.

When you skip these essential steps, bacteria build up and feed on the food particles in your mouth, creating acids and plaque that eat away at gum tissue. Irritated and bleeding gums are common during the gingivitis stage, and more serious concerns, such as gum recession and tooth loss, will occur once periodontitis sets in.

Treatment & Prevention

A dentist can treat early-stage gingivitis with biannual dental cleanings, and antibiotics can resolve any minor infections. However, once the condition progresses to periodontitis, you’ll have to see a gum specialist (called a periodontist) for scaling and root planing.

During this two-step procedure, a periodontist will clean below your gumline and tooth roots to remove built-up plaque, hardened tartar, and other bacteria. They’ll then use thin curettes to smooth the root surfaces so that the gum tissue can firmly reattach. This also makes it harder for plaque to accumulate there. If this procedure isn’t successful, tissue grafting surgery may be necessary to address receding gums.

You can reduce your risk of developing gum disease by brushing your teeth at least once a day and flossing daily. See your dentist twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings. Don’t smoke and limit the number of sugary and acidic foods you eat to keep your teeth and gum tissue strong. 

If you think you may have gingivitis or periodontitis, the dentists at S. Jill Spurlin, DMD, will help. Based in Enterprise, AL, they provide a wide range of dental services, including cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and advanced gum disease treatment. Visit the website to learn more about the practice and call (334) 475-2624 to schedule an appointment today.