Gum Disease: Effects and Prevention

Healthy Gums Mean Healthier Teeth

Healthy teeth rely upon healthy gums. When gums become diseased, they can negatively affect the bone that supports the teeth and cause teeth to become loose and fall out. Unfortunately, gum disease is often painless so it can progress before it is detected. This is why proper oral care and regular visits to the family dentist are imperative. Gum disease occurs in three stages:

1.      Gingivitis
• When light bleeding and tenderness occur during brushing and flossing, this can be indicative of Gingivitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and happens when the gums become inflamed because of plaque and tartar buildup at the gum line. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral care, including professional cleaning and regular visits to the family dentist.
2.      Periodontitis
• When Gingivitis is left untreated, periodontitis can occur. This happens when the gums form a pocket beneath the gum line. This gum disease negatively affects the fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth in place. When periodontitis develops, the family dentist will treat it in his or her office, but will also instruct patients on how to improve their oral care at home in order to prevent further damage from occurring.
3.      Advanced Periodontitis
• Advanced Periodontitis is the stage of gum disease that can have very grave consequences. This is the final stage of the disease that destroys supporting bones and fibers and causes the teeth to loosen and sometimes fall out. Advanced Periodontitis requires aggressive oral care.
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Signs of Gum Disease

• Tender, red, puffy or swollen gums
• Bleeding during flossing or brushing
• Receding gum line
• Separation of gums from teeth
• Pus within the gum line
• Halitosis (bad breath)
• Changes in how the teeth fit together when biting

Prevention of Gum Disease

Gum disease can adversely affect one’s overall health. Regularly scheduled visits to the family dentist and proper oral care are the first steps in achieving and maintaining healthy gums. Eating healthful foods and avoiding sugar can also play an important role in keeping the gums in top shape. It is important to follow the dentist’s instructions carefully, and to use diligence in brushing and flossing each day. Even with due diligence, a professional cleaning by a trained dental hygienist should take place twice a year. The hygienist can make sure that the areas beneath the gum line are kept clean by removing tartar that builds up over time. If necessary, he or she can plane the roots of the teeth to prevent tartar buildup there as well.


If you are due for your regular dental cleaning or if you are concerned about gum disease, give us a call at (281)646-8888 or request an appointment on our website!