What is periodontitis (gum disease)?
Periodontitis, also known as gum disease, is a chronic condition that slowly encroaches on your gums. Since gingivitis is typically painless in the beginning stages, it can easily progress to an advanced stage before you notice any issues.
When plaque builds up on your teeth and along the gum line, it hardens into calculus, a rough, porous deposit. Bacteria gather in the pockets that form between the teeth and irritated gums, which can cause other health issues like cardiovascular disease. Only your dentist will have the equipment to remove plaque after it has hardened.
Periodontitis, in its advanced stages, can cause bone structure loss and gum deterioration, as well as tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss.
That’s why removing plaque with a rigorous daily hygiene routine of brushing and flossing as well as attending regular dental hygiene appointments are key for prevention – and for maintaining your oral health.
How can I prevent periodontitis?
There are also some less obvious tips that may help you avoid gum disease or reduce your risk of getting it. You may want to:
Take inventory of your medications. Certain medications can contribute to and aggravate gum disease, including antidepressants, heart medicines and oral contraceptives.
Increase your consumption of vitamins A and C, which are part of a healthy diet that can help prevent periodontitis. Conversely, cut sugary and starchy foods, which allow plaque to build.
Have dental issues treated quickly. Teeth grinding, misaligned or crowded teeth, and other dental or oral health issues should be addressed. It can be more difficult to clean teeth that aren't properly spaced, allowing plaque to grow and thrive.
Gently massage your gums. Along with brushing and flossing regularly (at least twice a day for two minutes each time for brushing, and once daily for thorough flossing), show your gums some love by gently massaging them, which increases blood flow to the tissue.
Use fluoride toothpaste.This key ingredient removes the buildup of plaque bacteria along the gum line without irritating gums.
Quit smoking. Smoking is not only strongly associated with the onset of gum disease, it makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’re damaged, as smoking weakens the immune system.
Know your risks. Whether genetics, diet, age, smoking or other factors make you more susceptible to periodontitis, knowledge is power when it comes to reducing your risk and staying healthy.
Bonus: Ask your dentist about periodontal disease treatment. Periodontitis (if you do get it) is best caught as early as possible by your dentist. Because gum disease can be treated more easily when it is still in its early stages rather than when it has already spread to the point where teeth or jaw bone tissue are being lost, this is the case. There are surgical and non-surgical treatment options available, depending on the severity and the disease's stage.
Regular oral hygiene - and reducing your personal risk factors - will go a long way in the fight to prevent gum disease. Our gums are as important as our teeth when it comes to our oral health, so it’s important not to neglect them.