Causes and Prevention of Gum Problems
Gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque that irritates the gum line, is one of the common dental problems. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, can be treated before it progresses to periodontitis. This is the main reason why gum disease treatment is necessary.
Gum inflammation is generally managed with longer and more frequent brushing and maintaining oral hygiene. Therefore, individuals need to be conscious about oral care. If symptoms such as bleeding gums during brushing, swollen gums, or bad breath occur, you should consult your dentist immediately.
Are Gum Inflammations Caused by Genetics or Oral Hygiene?
Gum inflammations can occur for different reasons, and the causes vary from person to person. Age-related increases in dental disease risk also apply to gum inflammation. Statistics show that 70% of people over 65 have mild gum disease. Gum inflammation is also more common in smokers, individuals with a family history of gum disease, and those taking certain medications. Common causes of gum inflammation include:
- Dental Plaque (Tartar): The most common cause of gum inflammation. Neglecting oral hygiene allows plaque to accumulate on teeth, weakening the gums and making them prone to disease. Consuming sugary foods or having misaligned teeth increases plaque buildup.
- Poor Nutrition: Nutrient deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin C, slow gum cell regeneration and contribute to inflammation. Insufficient nutrition can also prevent gums from being strong enough to resist disease.
- Hormonal Changes: Life stages like menopause, pregnancy, and adolescence can cause hormonal fluctuations that make gums more vulnerable to bacteria.
- Diseases: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as cancer, and treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy can negatively affect gum health.
Gum inflammation is also seen in people who breathe predominantly through their mouths, take medications for high blood pressure or crises, have organ transplants, or take drugs that reduce saliva flow.
What Happens If Gum Inflammation Is Untreated?
Ignoring red and swollen gums, bleeding after brushing, or white spots or plaques on the gums can lead to more severe problems. Untreated gum inflammation may cause bad breath, infection between teeth and gums, unpleasant taste, difficulty chewing, changes in bite or tooth alignment, tooth loss, and gum abscesses. You should consult your dentist to determine the cause and treatment.
What Is Gum Recession?
Gum recession is the pulling back of the gum tissue from the tooth, exposing the root surface.
At What Age Does Gum Recession Occur?
The risk increases with age but can occur in younger individuals due to environmental or genetic factors.
Causes of Gum Recession:
- Using a toothbrush with very hard bristles
- Brushing with excessive force in the wrong direction
- Severely misaligned teeth
- Heavy tartar buildup due to poor oral hygiene
- Severe uncontrolled systemic diseases
- Smoking
- Poorly made crowns and fillings
How Should I Brush to Prevent Gum Recession?
Use a medium-soft toothbrush, apply gentle pressure, and always brush from the gum toward the tooth. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors are very effective in preventing gum recession.
How Do Gum Diseases Lead to Recession?
Gum diseases start in soft tissue and, if untreated, reach the supporting tissue and bone. Bone loss caused by inflammation results in gum recession.
Problems Caused by Gum Recession:
Tooth sensitivity, bad breath due to plaque buildup, aesthetic issues, cavities in hard-to-clean areas, and eventual tooth loss.
Treatment Options for Gum Recession:
There are three main approaches: treating damage on the tooth surface, reducing tooth sensitivity, and surgically restoring receded gum tissue.
- Treating Damage on the Tooth: This involves applying fillings or covering the tooth to address damage, which also relieves sensitivity.
- When Is Gum Surgery Needed? Surgery is indicated for aesthetic concerns, advanced gum disease, or when crowns cannot adequately cover affected back teeth.
- How Is Gum Surgery Performed?
- Grafting: Tissue taken from the patient’s palate is placed on the receded area.
- Sliding: If healthy tissue exists nearby, it is slid over the receded area to cover it.
Post-Operation Care:
Avoid mechanical trauma to the treated area. Be careful with your diet, avoiding hard, spicy, acidic, and very hot foods. Keeping the area clean is crucial for healing.
Can I Smoke During Recovery?
Avoid smoking during the one-week healing period before and after surgery, as new tissue needs proper nutrition, which smoking can interfere with. Heavy smokers may not be suitable candidates for gum treatment.
Are Stitches Used After Gum Surgery?
Stitches are generally placed and are removed about one week after the procedure.