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What is periodontitis and how does it affect your oral health?
Periodontitis (gum disease) is a progressive condition that gradually invades your gums. Because it is typically painless in its early stages (gingivitis), it can easily evolve to an advanced stage before you become aware of any problems.
Plaque collects on your teeth and along the gum line, then hardens into a rough, porous deposit referred to as tartar or calculus. Pockets form between the teeth and irritated gums, and bacteria collect here, which can lead to other health problems such as cardiovascular disease. Once hardened, only your dentist will have the tools to remove plaque.
In its advanced stages, periodontitis can cause loss of bone structure and deterioration of gums. This can eventually lead to bone loss which is the leading cause of tooth loss in Canadian adults.
That’s why removing plaque with a rigorous daily hygiene routine of brushing and flossing as well as attending regular dental hygiene appointments are key for prevention – and for maintaining your oral health.
What are some ways to help prevent periodontitis?
There are a few things that you can consider if you are wondering how you can help prevent periodontitis (gum disease):
What medications do you take? Certain medications can contribute to and aggravate gum disease, including antidepressants, heart medicines and oral contraceptives.
Do you get enough vitamin A or C? These are part of a healthy diet that can help prevent periodontitis. Conversely, cut sugary and starchy foods, which allow plaque to build.
Are you visiting the dentist when needed? Correct dental problems or oral health issues such as teeth grinding, or 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.
Do you massage your gums when you brush your teeth? 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.
Are you using fluoride toothpaste? This key ingredient removes the buildup of plaque bacteria along the gum line without irritating gums.
Do you smoke? Smoking is not only strongly associated with the onset of gum disease, but it also makes it more difficult for your gums to heal once they’re damaged, as smoking weakens the immune system.
What are your risk factors? 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.
does your dentist offer periodontal 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.
By keeping up with routine dental appointments and at-home oral hygiene you can help prevent gum disease from occurring. Our gums are as important as our teeth when it comes to our oral health, so it’s important not to neglect them.