Understanding Gum Disease: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Gums disease is an infection of the gum tissues supporting your teeth. It often begins as Gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease), characterized by mild irritation to the gums. Left untreated, Gingivitis progresses into a more severe form called Periodontitis, damaging the jaw bones and soft tissue holding your teeth in place. This progression not only threatens your dental health but can also have ripple effects on your overall well-being, and it all starts with poor oral hygiene.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Red, Swollen Gums – Due to inflammation, the gums become red and puffy. This is one of the earliest signs of gum disease, and it makes the gums highly sensitive to touch.
• Bleeding Gums – The gums begin to bleed after performing activities that don’t normally cause bleeding, like brushing, flossing, or eating certain foods. A clear indication of inflammation and irritation.
• Persistent Bad Breath – Even if you take proper care of your oral hygiene, advanced stages of gum disease might cause halitosis (bad breath) caused by bacteria buildup in the infected gum tissues.
• Receding Gums – As the condition progresses, gums start to pull away, exposing sensitive areas of the teeth and making them look taller.
• Tooth Decay – When the gums recede, tooth roots become exposed, which are more likely to decay because they lack protective enamel.
• Loss of Tooth – Severe gum disease can eventually lead to tooth loss. The infection weakens the foundation of the tooth, leading to loosening and, eventually, tooth loss.

Causes of Gum Disease

• Poor Oral Hygiene – Failure to take proper care of your oral health leads to plaque buildup on the tooth surface. Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that hardens over time and becomes tartar, which requires professional cleaning to remove.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use – While smoking or chewing tobacco doesn’t directly cause gum disease, it weakens the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infection effectively, including those in the gums. Nicotine also decreases blood flow to the gums, slowing down the healing process and making gum disease treatment less effective.
• Genetics – Some individuals genetically inherit gum disease, meaning they may develop it even if they take good care of their oral health. This genetic tendency affects how the body responds to bacterial infections in the mouth, making certain people more vulnerable to gum inflammation and bone loss.
• Malnutrition – Diets lacking essential nutrients, particularly vitamin C and other antioxidants, weaken the body’s immune response. Vitamin C is crucial for gum health, as it helps repair tissues and fight inflammation. Without proper nutrients, gums are more vulnerable to infection, inflammation, and slow healing.
• Others – Other causes of gum disease are hormonal changes such as pregnancy, puberty, and menopause. Diabetes and stress are yet another conditions that weaken the immune system and expose the gums to infection.