Ever noticed your toothbrush turn a little pink in the morning? While it’s possible that you’re brushing too aggressively, chances are you had the first stages of gum disease. Hopefully, you kept up your oral health routine and managed to vanquish it without serious consequences, but not everyone is so lucky.
That’s why we’re going to dive into gum disease and uncover what it is, what it looks like and how you can prevent it.
What is periodontal disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common yet preventable oral health issue that attacks the tissues supporting your teeth. Left untreated, it can lead to a variety of dental and health problems, including tooth loss.
What Causes Gum Disease?
The primary cause of gum disease is plaque. This is a sticky film of bacteria, leftover food and saliva that forms on your teeth. During the day, plaque builds up on everyone’s teeth. Everyone has plaque buildup throughout the day. That’s normal. But when plaque isn’t removed by regularly brushing and flossing, the plaque hardens into tartar. And that’s much harder to get off. In fact, in most cases, it can only be removed by a dental professional.
This buildup of tartar can infect your gums causing the beginning stages of gum disease.
However, tartar isn’t the only cause of gum disease. Other contributing factors include smoking, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, certain medications, and underlying conditions like diabetes. Genetics can also play a role, making some individuals more prone to gum disease.
Symptoms
Gum disease often starts with mild symptoms that are easy to ignore. Early-stage gum disease, known as gingivitis, causes your gums to swell and become bright red, They may also bleed when brushing or flossing.
If untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This is when your gums pull away from your teeth, leading to pockets of infection, loose teeth, and even bone loss. This causes persistent bad breath and visibly receding gumlines.
Prevention
The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable with proper oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use an antibacterial mouthwash. Regular dental checkups and cleanings are essential for removing tartar and detecting issues early. Additionally, avoid smoking and maintain a balanced diet to support overall oral health.