Do These Simple Things to Avoid Gum Disease

Gum disease is a very common issue among Canadian adults, and it's often caused by poor oral hygiene. Here, our Burlington dentists explain how poor oral hygiene leads to gum disease, and what actions you can take to avoid the condition.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection that affects the bones and soft tissues supporting your teeth. When your dentist mentions gingivitis, it refers to the mildest or moderate form of gum disease that only affects the soft tissues. 

As the disease progresses, it can infect the bones and supporting structures of the teeth. If left untreated, this can eventually result in tooth loss.

What causes gum disease?

Several factors increase the risk of developing gum disease, such as the buildup of plaque and bacteria in the mouth, hormonal changes, smoking, inadequate nutrition, certain medications, misaligned teeth, and even genetic factors. 

If you notice bleeding gums, it can be an indication of gum disease, so it's important to make an appointment with your dentist. Since your mouth harbors millions of bacteria, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to disrupt their growth.

If left untreated, your body responds to undisturbed bacteria by increasing blood flow to the gums. This excess blood flow can result in swelling, tenderness, bleeding, and redness. This condition is known as gingivitis, and it will persist until the source of infection is eliminated.

Bacteria can be found in various places, including plaque, tartar or calculus, pockets beneath the gums (in advanced gum disease cases), cavities, abscesses, and chipped teeth. They may also hide in dental work, as dental repairs create spaces where bacteria can adhere.

What can I do to avoid gum disease?

Avoiding gum disease doesn't require any "special tips and tricks". The key is to maintain good oral hygiene habits. You greatly reduce the chances of developing gum disease by simply brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, visiting your dentist for cleanings and checkups, and following a thorough oral hygiene routine.

Gum disease doesn't arise solely from individual factors. If you diligently follow an oral hygiene routine, it becomes challenging for gum disease to take hold. For instance, even if you're genetically prone to plaque buildup, as long as you brush and floss twice a day, and go for regular dental cleanings and checkups as advised, the likelihood of gum disease fully developing decreases significantly. 

The primary cause of gum disease is the unhindered growth of bacteria and plaque in the mouth, whether it's due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, prescription medication use, or smoking. 

In most cases, gum disease can be easily prevented by maintaining a good oral hygiene routine. While factors like pregnancy, medication, and smoking may increase the risk and make prevention more difficult, ultimately, the development of gum disease depends on the choices you make each day regarding your oral health practices.

If you have questions about gum disease, or about proper brushing or flossing technique, please get in touch with our Burlington dentists today.