Early Gum Disease: Prevention and Treatment Before it Becomes Serious

What is Early Gum Disease?

When you first notice bleeding gums after you brush your teeth, you may be experiencing the signs of early gum disease. Fortunately, it can be treated relatively easily; however, if left untreated, early gum disease can result in severe complications that are sometimes irreversible.

Risk Factors and Prevention

Poor Dental Hygiene

There are many factors which can increase your risk of developing early gum disease, one of which is poor dental hygiene. Maintaining excellent dental hygiene throughout your life is the primary preventative measure you can take. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day every day and flossing after meals to clean between your teeth. It is important to visit the dentist on a regular basis, at least once every six months, and more often if you are suffering from dental health complications.

Genetics

Another factor which increases the risk of developing early gum disease is a genetic predisposition. 30% of the population have an increased genetic susceptibility to early gum disease. If your parents or siblings are affected, it is important that you not only look after your teeth more carefully but also visit the dentist and hygienist more regularly for early detection and prevention of early gum disease. 

Smoking

Smoking is one of the most significant causes of early gum disease. Smokers have increased levels of plaque build-up on the teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and issues with the gums. Good circulation is important for healthy gums, and smoking results in reduced oxygen flow throughout the body. Smoking can also weaken the immune system, making it difficult for affected gums to recover. 

Your dentist or GP can help you learn more about smoking cessation. Smoking does not only affect your dental health but also your overall health and well-being so it is important to quit smoking as soon as possible to prevent early gum disease and further complications. After 10 years of smoking cessation, there is thought to be no increased risk of gum disease and other health issues in comparison to non-smokers.

Hormonal Changes

Women are more prone to developing early gum disease during pregnancy and the menopause as a result of hormonal changes, namely increased levels of progesterone and dips in oestrogen respectively. Scheduling more frequent visits to your dentist or hygienist can help you to stay on top of your dental health during these phases of life.

Obesity

A poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle can result in obesity. Obesity is generally considered to be a contributor to significant health disorders including early gum disease as well as other more threatening illnesses such as cardiovascular disease. Those struggling with obesity during childhood are likely to have more weight issues as adults, maintaining a healthy diet from childhood and throughout life helps to build a solid foundation for optimal oral health and overall well-being.

Treating Early Gum Disease 

Book a dental appointment as soon as you notice any signs of early gum disease, such as swelling and inflammation or a buildup of plaque. Your dentist will examine your gums to assess the extent of gum disease and will be able to advise how you can improve your dental hygiene routine. This alone may be sufficient for reversing the signs of early gum disease if detected at the onset.

Other patients may require an appointment with a dental hygienist, who will be able to remove any excess plaque or tartar from your mouth. This can be instrumental in helping your gums to heal and potentially reversing any signs of early gum disease.

If left untreated, the effects of gum disease can have a significant impact on various aspects of your life, negatively affecting self-confidence, causing embarrassment and discomfort, and having a negative effect on your health. In addition to milder symptoms such as bad breath, early gum disease can cause further dental health complications, even resulting in tooth loss.

Treatment for the later stages of gum disease are also more complicated and can be uncomfortable or painful. You may require a course of antibiotics, deep cleaning or even gum surgery. To avoid this it is essential to look after your teeth and gums and maintain a healthy lifestyle; you also need to contact your dentist immediately if you notice any symptoms of early gum disease so that it can be treated early on and further complications can be prevented.