Both our oral health and overall physical health can be negatively impacted by periodontal disease. Here, our dentists in Winnipeg define periodontitis and provide tips on how to prevent the condition.
What is periodontitis (gum disease)?
Also referred to as gum disease, this is a progressive condition that gradually invades the gums. Since periodontitis is usually painless in its early stages, it can easily progress and become more advanced before you are aware of any issues.
Plaque accumulates on your teeth and along the gum line before it hardens into a porous, rough deposit known as tartar or calculus. Pockets develop between the teeth and irritated gums, where bacteria begin to collect and lead to more serious health problems such as cardiovascular disease. Once hardened, only your dentist will have the tools to remove plaque.
Once it advances to later stages, periodontitis may cause loss of bone structure and deterioration of gums — and eventually tooth loss. In fact, gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss in adults.
That's why it's necessary to practice rigorous oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, in addition to attending regular dental hygiene appointments. This will prevent issues and help you maintain your oral health, as well as keep plaque in check.
How can I prevent periodontitis?
There are also some less obvious tips that may help you avoid gum disease or reduce your risk of getting it. You may want to:
Take inventory of your medications. Certain medications can contribute to and aggravate gum disease, including antidepressants, heart medicines and oral contraceptives.
Increase your consumption of vitamins A and C, which are part of a healthy diet that can help prevent periodontitis. Conversely, cut sugary and starchy foods, which allow plaque to build.
Have dental issues treated quickly. Correct dental problems or oral health issues such as teeth grinding, misaligned or crowded teeth. It can be more challenging to properly clean teeth that aren’t properly spaced, thus providing room for plaque to grow and thrive.
Gently massage your gums. Along with brushing and flossing regularly (at least twice a day for two minutes each time for brushing, and once daily for thorough flossing), show your gums some love by gently massaging them, which increases blood flow to the tissue.
Use fluoride toothpaste. This key ingredient removes the buildup of plaque bacteria along the gum line without irritating gums.
Quit smoking. Smoking is not only strongly associated with the onset of gum disease, it makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’re damaged, as smoking weakens the immune system.
Know your risks. Whether genetics, diet, age, smoking, or other factors make you more susceptible to periodontitis, knowledge is power when it comes to reducing your risk and staying healthy.
Bonus: Ask your dentist about periodontal disease treatment. The earlier your dentist can detect periodontitis (if you do get it), the better. That's because it's easier to treat gum disease in its earlier stages than when it has advanced to the point that you start to lose teeth or jaw bone tissue. Depending on how far the disease has progressed and its severity, there are surgical and non-surgical options for treatment.
Regular oral hygiene - and reducing your personal risk factors - will go a long way in the fight to prevent gum disease. Our gums are as important as our teeth when it comes to our oral health, so it’s important not to neglect them.