Gum Disease

If a person's gums are red instead of pink, inflamed, swollen, and bleed when they brush their teeth, they most likely have gingivitis, or gum disease. Gingivitis is usually caused by inadequate oral hygiene; some medications can also contribute to this disease. This means not brushing your teeth enough or properly, and not flossing. Plaque, a sticky substance made up of bacteria builds up on the teeth. The bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums. Early treatment of gum disease is very important. The goals of treatment are to prevent gum disease from permanently damaging tissues (including bone), control infection, and prevent tooth loss.

For treatment to be effective, you will need to keep your teeth clean by brushing twice a day and flossing one time a day, seeing your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, and avoiding all tobacco use. Tobacco decreases your ability to fight infection, interferes with healing, and makes you more likely to have serious gum disease that results in tooth loss.

If you have gingivitis, you may be able to reverse the damage to your gums by brushing your teeth twice a day (in the morning and before bedtime), flossing your teeth once a day, and using an antiseptic mouthwash, or an anti-plaque mouthwash. While you have gingivitis, your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. They can be applied directly on the gums, swallowed as pills or capsules, or taken as a mouthwash. Your dentist may also recommend antibacterial toothpaste that reduces plaque and gingivitis when used regularly.

Your dentist will want to see you for regular checkups and cleanings in order to make sure that gum disease is being kept at bay. Professional cleanings can remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing missed. After you have had gum disease, you may need to see your dentist every three or four months for follow-ups.

With problems like gum disease, prevention is better than the cure, but the good news is that if it’s caught early, the condition can be reversed or treated and you can regain your oral health. So make sure you follow a proper routine that keeps your teeth and gums healthy, and also talk to your dentist if you see any changes in your mouth.