Gum Care Awareness Month: Understanding Types of Gum Diseases

Are you taking your gum health for granted? Gum health is a crucial part of your overall hygiene and neglecting it can have negative impact on your dental health. Gum diseases can be mild or severe. They can cause pain, irritation, and bleeding. Taking care of your gums along with your teeth can improve your oral hygiene. For Gum Care Awareness Month, let’s talk about something we don’t think about enough: gum diseases. In this article, we will discuss gum issues and their types, causes, and prevention. We will also discuss which toothpaste in Pakistan can improve gum health.

Why Is Gum Health So Important?

First things first—why should you care about your gums? You might think, “Aren’t gums just there to hold the teeth in place?” Well, they do much more than that. Healthy gums protect the bones that support your teeth, keep bacteria at bay, and are a key indicator of your overall oral health.

Gum diseases are more common than you think. They can start off so suddenly that you might not notice any signs until it’s too late. That’s why it’s crucial to know about the different types of gum diseases and what you can do to keep them at bay.

Types of Gum Diseases

Now, let’s break down the most common types of gum diseases:

1. Gingivitis

The earliest stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. When the sticky film around your teeth called the plaque builds up over time, it can irritate your gums, leading to gum disease. Luckily, it is reversible if you improve your oral hygiene and use suitable toothpaste in Pakistan to address this issue.

a. Gingivitis Symptoms:

The signs of gingivitis can be sneaky as it is usually painless. Some usual symptoms of gingivitis are:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Tenderness in gums
• Bad breath

b. Gingivitis Causes:

Poor oral hygiene

It is easy to overlook your gums, thinking they do not need the same care as your teeth. This is a misconception. Your gums need care to clear any plaque buildup and clean your teeth.

Not brushing or flossing regularly

A proper brushing routine is essential from an early age and must be consistent throughout your life. Brush your teeth twice a day with a suitable product and floss regularly to clean any food remnants in your teeth. Brushing your teeth is a crucial step in caring for your gums and keeping them healthy

Plaque built-up

Plaque is pretty much the enemy of your oral and dental health. It can destroy your teeth and gums if you do not clean it properly through regular brushing. It can result in cavities and gum disease if you do not prevent its buildup.

c. Gingivitis Treatment:

The good news is that gingivitis is treatable! A consistent brushing routine, using toothpaste that targets gum health and regular flossing can reverse it. Moreover, if you see blood after brushing, that can be a sign of gingivitis and Parodontax toothpaste can help stop bleeding gums. It’s available at most pharmacies.

Nonetheless, if the situation gets worse, you should consult a doctor. Regular visits to your dentist can also help identify any issues with your gum health and provide you with a solution. Your doctor may recommend a dental cleaning that thoroughly cleans your teeth and gums and removes built-up plaque and bacteria. It can help reverse gingivitis with special care instructions for your gums.

2. Periodontitis

If you do not get treatment for gingivitis, it is likely to progress to the more advanced stage of gum disease known as periodontitis. It usually occurs when plaque build-up and inflammation in your gums lead to an infection. It can severely affect your oral health as it affects the tissues and bones that keep your teeth in place, along with other health issues. It can also lead to loose teeth and tooth loss as the placeholder of your teeth gets damaged.

1. Periodontitis Symptoms

Periodontitis may have some overlapping symptoms of gingivitis, as it can cause swollen and red gums. It can also cause other issues including:

• Receding gums: It occurs when your gum tissue starts pulling away from your teeth and exposes the nerves underneath. It makes your teeth more susceptible to bacteria and cavities. It can also lead to teeth sensitivity.
• Loose teeth: As periodontitis progresses, your teeth may shift or starts to become loose.
• Pain when chewing: You may experience pain and discomfort while chewing your food
• Push between teeth and gums: Pus in this area is a clear indicator of periodontitis and needs examination from a dentist.
• Bad breath: Does your breath smell foul even after brushing? It can be a sign of gum disease.

2. Periodontitis Causes

So, what causes periodontitis? The primary cause is poor oral hygiene, but several other factors can increase your risk:

• Poor oral hygiene: Needless to say, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine can save you from many dental issues. It also keeps your gums in great condition, which aids in keeping your teeth in fantastic shape by preventing plaque buildup.
• Smoking: If you are still not convinced about the disadvantages of smoking, here is another: smoking is the leading cause of gum disease.
• Hormonal changes: Women are vulnerable to periodontitis because of hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation. These changes in hormonal levels lead to increased blood flow to the gums making them tender, swollen, and easily inflamed. Women must take more care of their oral hygiene at these stages to avoid the development of periodontitis.

3. Periodontitis Treatment:

Once you have periodontitis, the treatment options become more complicated than just using the right toothpaste. This disease may not be completely curable but it is manageable with the right care at this stage.

Scaling and root planning

Your dentist may recommend scaling or root planning if you have periodontitis. It is a deep cleaning procedure for your teeth and can reach tough spots where your brush may not reach. It thoroughly removes bacteria and plaque and is a successful treatment option for gum disease.

Medications

If scaling does not provide you with an effective solution, your doctor may suggest antibiotics to combat the infection. It can be in the form of medicated dental products, gel, capsule, or tablet, depending on what kind of treatment you need.

Surgery

As a last resort, you may need surgery for advanced gum disease. The recommended surgical options include:

o Pocket reduction surgery

A pocket reduction surgery is recommended if you have moderate to advanced gum disease. This process involves making a small incision in your gums to make a flap. It allows your periodontist to eliminate tartar and bacteria from the edges of your teeth, smoothing them out. Once it has been cleared, your dentist will patch up your gums with stitches.

o Gum grafting

You may need gum grafting if you lose your gum tissue due to periodontitis disease. Gum disease can result in tissue loss in your gums and lead to negative outcomes. In this procedure, your doctor adds gum tissue to combat receding gums. It will make your gums thicker and cover your teeth roots.

Other methods are also available to help you, but dental treatments can cost you an arm and leg. Generally caring for your teeth can prevent gum disease and save you a lot of money.

How to Prevent Gum Diseases?

Did you know gum disease can affect more than just your mouth? Studies show a link between gum disease and other serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and even respiratory infections. That’s right! The bacteria from dental issues can enter your bloodstream and can be detrimental to your health.

It is easier and cheaper to prevent gum disease instead of paying tall bills to the dentist later. Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your gums healthy:

1. Maintain a healthy dental care routine:

As time passes, poor oral hygiene can wreak havoc on your dental and overall health. Develop healthy teeth-cleaning habits to keep your teeth strong and white. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss afterward. Additionally, use a soft-bristled toothpaste with a toothpaste that can effectively remove plaque like Parodontax, which is 4x more effective in removing plaque with twice daily brushing. Ensure that you clean all areas like the gum line and tongue.

2. Get Regular Dental Checkups:

Don’t skip out on dental checkups! Visiting your dentist every six months can ensure your teeth remain in decent shape. These visits can help detect gum disease at an early stage and can reverse the damage from plaque.

3. Healthy Diet:

Eating healthy can impact your overall health. Some foods can help maintain your teeth while some may worsen their condition. Consuming foods high in Vitamin C and B12, such as citrus fruits and leafy greens, to improve your dental health. Moreover, avoid sugary and acidic foods as they can increase your chances of getting gum disease.

4. Quit Smoking:

Smoking can cause gum disease, in addition to many other issues with your health. It weakens your body’s immunity and makes it difficult for your body to fight gum infection. It also increases bacterial plaque and can cause gum disease. You should quit smoking if you care about your health.

Conclusion:

Gum disease not only affects your gums but also your overall health. If you are aware of the early signs of gum disease, you can detect gum disease in its initial stage and prevent it altogether. Gum diseases are largely preventable with the right care. Make sure to brush twice daily, floss, eat a balanced diet, and use a gum-health-friendly toothpaste like Parodontax.

The early stage of gum disease – gingivitis can lead to swollen gums and bleeding. Treating gingivitis can reverse the condition and can prevent periodontal disease. If it remains untreated, it can become more severe and you may not find a cure for it. Periodontitis may need professional cleaning from a dentist and in worse cases, you may need surgery. Taking care of your teeth by brushing and flossing your teeth regularly can keep your teeth and gums strong for a long time. Improving your diet, quitting smoking and visiting your dentist regularly can also reduce the risk of gum disease.