The mouth is home to many species of bacteria. Although it’s not particularly pleasant to hear the myriad amount of bacteria roaming around in your mouth, most microbes are actually beneficial and helpful in maintaining oral health! However, some can cause serious problems, such as gum disease.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when the soft tissue surrounding your teeth becomes inflamed and infected. If left untreated, the inflamed tissue increases the risk of losing your tooth as the supporting bone will start to be destroyed. The mild form of gum disease is gingivitis, but it can lead to a severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. 

The development of gum disease begins with the buildup of plaque which can come from poor oral care, hormonal changes, genetics, certain medications, and health conditions. We all form plaque everyday as a natural response to the things we eat and the natural precipitation of the minerals from our saliva, but if we do not clean our mouths regularly, bad microbes can start growing out of control. 

As mentioned briefly, plaque begins to form from the exposure of sugars and starches from foods we eat. If not removed, it can turn into tartar (calculus), which is hardened plaque. At this stage, it can be difficult to remove by simply flossing and brushing, so a professional cleaning from a hygienist is highly advised. If you develop tartar along and below the gum line, it will cause an inflammatory response within the surrounding gums. Your gums may start to recede and expose the root, resulting in sensitivity or tooth loss. Thus, that is why measuring pocket depths is the most effective way to determine how healthy one’s gums are. Shallow pocket depths ranging from 1-3 mm indicate healthy gums whereas deeper pocket depths ranging from 4 mm or greater indicate moderate to severe periodontitis. 

Warning signs include:

• Gums being visibly swollen, puffy, red and/or bleeding 

• Buildup of plaque surrounding the tooth

• Increased sensitivity

• Tooth Mobility

• Spaces between teeth

• Food getting stuck between teeth

• Changes in bite

Periodontal Associates, “Stages of Gum Disease and Pocket Depths”, https://www.dallasimplant.com/getting-expert-periodontal-treatment/, accessed May 2021.

How can this affect you?

The bacteria from the tartar can travel through your bloodstream, which can ultimately affect other parts of your body. Although there are no studies showing that gum disease is the cause of certain health conditions, it can still be linked to a wide variety of major health concerns. It is known to be associated with heart disease and heart attacks, increased stroke risk, diabetes, pregnancy issues, as well as dementia.  

What are ways to prevent it? 

Gum disease can have serious systemic repercussions, but the biggest thing you can take away from all of this is that gum disease can be easily prevented. Adding and modifying habits to your daily routine can significantly decrease the chances of developing gum disease. It is important to:

• Brush your teeth properly - By brushing your teeth after meals, it can help remove plaque and food debris stuck between your teeth and gums. According to the American Dental Association,  proper brushing technique (angling toothbrush at the gumline at a 45 degree angle), brushing for a minimum of two minutes and brushing at least two to three times a day is key to making sure the plaque is physically being removed from the teeth daily. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well, as it’s a breeding ground for bacteria!

• Practice flossing once a day - It helps remove food particles and plaque in areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush. Wrap floss around each tooth forming a c-shape, dragging it up and down several times even under the gums will remove any plaque present in between teeth.

• Utilize a good mouthwash - A mouthwash can help reduce plaque and remove any food particles that were not removed from brushing and flossing.

• Be aware of your risks - Smoking, age, lifestyle, and genetics can increase your risk for gum disease. Be sure to talk to your oral healthcare providers if you are at an increased risk.

• Routinely go to the dentist for checkups - They will routinely monitor the health of your gums and guide you on how to take good care of them. Thus, they will help you lower the chances of developing gum disease.

If you do have advanced periodontitis, it is important to seek help from a periodontist who can provide specialized and extensive treatments such as gum grafting and laser treatments. Gum disease can be serious and painful, but luckily, if you follow the tips mentioned above, you can prevent it. You can continue to have beautiful, healthy, pink gums!