Gum disease, also known as gingivitis or periodontal disease, is a major contributor to tooth loss in the United States. According to a recent study, over 42% of adults aged 30 and above suffer from gum disease, with nearly 8% experiencing serious periodontal disease. The rate of periodontal disease increases as you age. Without treatment, it can gradually deteriorate the gums and the surrounding tissues that support the teeth.

Preventing periodontal disease is crucial for protecting both your dental and overall health. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, Valencia Advanced Dentistry at Copperhill Smiles is ready to help. Our dentists in Santa Clarita understand that gingivitis is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to severe health complications. Read along to learn more about gum disease and how our team can help protect your teeth.

An Overview of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a chronic, incurable bacterial infection affecting the gums and the bone structure supporting teeth. Research indicates that gum disease, the primary cause of adult tooth loss, affects 75% of Americans. A World Health Organization study found that serious gum diseases affect approximately 19% of the global population, accounting for over one billion cases worldwide.

Signs of periodontal disease can manifest as bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum pain or swelling. Occasionally, gum disease may be asymptomatic, with gums not showing typical signs, making it difficult to detect its presence.

Causes and Stages of Gum Disease

Saliva causes bacteria to always be present in the mouth. If we do not maintain proper oral hygiene, harmful bacteria can grow between the gums and teeth, causing gum swelling and inflammation. Small cavities can also develop in the gum, forming pockets that trap food and lead to plaque buildup.

Bacteria feed on residual food particles present in our oral cavity after eating. They form dental plaque, a colorless, sticky film that coats the gums and teeth. Over time, plaque solidifies into a hard, yellowish-white substance known as “calculus” or “tartar.” This solid layer is an additional habitat for spreading bacteria through the gum tissues.

If gum disease develops, teeth can become weak and fall out. Dental probiotics can help introduce beneficial bacteria to the mouth to reduce your risk of gum disease. Most people do not feel pain through the early stages of gum disease.  Therefore, you should recognize the warning signs of potential danger.

Gum disease develops in two stages. These include the following:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis affects one out of every two American adults over thirty. It is an early stage of periodontal disease characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Regular flossing, brushing, and preventive professional cleaning can still reverse the condition at this phase.

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more severe conditions affecting deep tissues surrounding the gum line, bones, and ligaments. This occurs when plaque is not removed by frequent brushing and flossing. Fortunately, effective treatments exist for gingivitis if discovered early.

Periodontitis

During the later stages of periodontal disease, known as periodontitis, significant damage occurs to the gums and the underlying bone structure supporting the teeth. While healthy bones and gums provide a secure foundation for teeth, infected gums can lead to tooth mobility, tooth loss, or the need for dental extraction.

When detected and addressed promptly, a dental hygienist can administer a professional dental cleaning. Unfortunately, you do not meet the standards for preventive cleaning. Instead, you need a more sophisticated cleaning procedure that removes calculus, bacteria, and infection from beneath the gum line. However, your dentist can refer you to a periodontist if the disease progresses. Surgery may be necessary to treat advanced periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a chronic disease without a cure that can disrupt your overall health. Treating early-stage gum disease can reverse any damage caused. However, this cannot be restored if your teeth have lost bone and supportive tissues due to infection. In this case, the disease has advanced to a point where it is irreversible. Nevertheless, you can control it through appropriate medical care and consistent, good oral hygiene practices.

Risk Factors That Lead To Gum Disease

Although plaque accumulation is the main cause of gum disease, some people are more prone to it than others. Individuals who are more vulnerable to gum disease include:

  1. Menopausal Women and Teenage Girls

Hormonal changes increase gum sensitivity, making them more vulnerable to diseases. These changes occur throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle but are more pronounced during puberty and menopause.

  1. Postmenopausal Women

Postmenopausal women can suffer from a painful condition called desquamative gingivitis. The gum’s outer layer detaches from teeth, causing them to become loose and misaligned. This exposes nerve endings, resulting in intense pain. Dental insurance can help reduce costs for potential future periodontal treatments.

  1. Expectant Mothers

Pregnant women often experience gum bleeding due to prolonged hormone exposure over nine months. Hormonal fluctuations can also lead to localized hypertrophic gingivitis, commonly called pregnancy gingivitis. This condition is recognizable by a bright red, non-cancerous growth at the root of one or more teeth, which may bleed excessively.

  1. Individuals Suffering From Diabetes

Research shows a reciprocal relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. Diabetes worsens the severity of gum disease, and conversely, gum disease can aggravate diabetes.

  1. Smokers

The CDC estimates that 62% of American adults aged 30 or older who smoke currently have periodontitis, primarily due to the increased plaque accumulation caused by smoking.

  1. Vitamin Deficiency

Individuals suffering from vitamin deficiencies, particularly vitamins C and B3 (niacin), will likely develop gum disease.

  1. Extremely Stressed Individuals

Severely painful, bleeding gums characterize Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG). It often appears suddenly and is typically triggered by intense stress or a major traumatic event.

Additional factors that can lead to gum issues include:

  • Dental restorations
  • Poorly fitted dental restorations, such as bridges and crowns
  • Misaligned teeth (which pose challenges for cleaning)
  • Poor dental hygiene when wearing braces
  • Specific medications, such as contraceptives

Suppose you belong to any of these vulnerable groups. In that case, especially if you are pregnant or experiencing menopause, you should schedule regular dental visits to address any oral health issues promptly.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

The following symptoms typically characterize mild gingivitis:

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Gummy smile
  • Reddish-purple patches near the gums
  • Receding gums
  • Bleeding gums, especially when eating, brushing, or flossing.
  • Constant halitosis
  • An unpleasant taste in the oral cavity
  • Teeth sensitive to temperature changes

Unlike most dental issues, periodontal disease is typically asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage. This, combined with the possibility of no apparent symptoms, can complicate diagnosis. Given the absence of pain as an indicator of gum problems, you should be familiar with and consistently monitor the symptoms. Otherwise, the disease may progress to advanced periodontitis without your awareness of any issues.

During advanced stages of gum disease or certain types of gingivitis, additional concerning symptoms may appear, including:

  • One or more loose teeth
  • Dental realignment
  • A tooth abscess or infection may be present if pus is oozing from the gum line or the gaps between the teeth
  • Red gums
  • Dozen of ulcers, some gray and some yellow, showing up on the cheeks or gums

Gum Disease Diagnosis

When the mouth is healthy, the gums around all teeth are securely attached. The ideal depth of the gap between teeth and gums should be less than 3 millimeters. The interdental space between gums and teeth is V-shaped, called a sulcus or pocket. Bacteria grow within these cavities, initiating the infection process.

During routine dental check-ups, the dental hygienist helps the dentist evaluate your gum condition using a probe to measure pockets. When plaque accumulates in these pockets, gums recede from the teeth. If gum tissues are injured, the sulcus deepens into a pocket, typically leading to more serious diseases.

As the pocket size increases, so does the severity of the gum disease. A dental hygienist will document bleeding during probing, delayed bleeding, and gum detachment from the tooth. Additionally, the hygienist may perform x-ray scans to assess bone structure deterioration. The dentist will evaluate the diagnostic findings to determine your gum condition.

Management and Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is not curable but can be effectively managed through appropriate treatment. Once the supporting structure around the teeth is lost, it is unlikely to regenerate fully. However, periodontal treatment can reduce infections and partially restore tissue and bone.

Genetics is another contributing factor. A wide variety of bacteria exist in the mouth. Certain individuals are inherently more susceptible to developing the type of gum disease that occurs. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, can be completely reversed. Early detection allows for its reversal through regular oral cleaning and meticulous oral hygiene.

Multiple periodontal treatments are available. The most suitable option for you depends on the severity of the condition and various other factors, including:

  • Your health.
  • If you are a smoker
  • Treatments have you had before
  • Improved dental hygiene and cleaning

Individuals with mild periodontal disease (gingivitis) can reverse their condition through regular dental cleanings and improved oral hygiene practices. This conservative approach eliminates harmful bacteria before the illness worsens, as there is no bone loss. Maintaining good oral hygiene involves brushing teeth at least twice daily, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

Root Planing and Scaling

Root planing and scaling are similar to regular dental cleanings. However, it effectively penetrates below your gum line, eliminating bacteria and plaque that are unreachable by floss and toothbrushes. Periodontists recommend this treatment for individuals with mild periodontal disease.

During this process, a hygienist performs scaling to remove plaque from the teeth and then planes the root surfaces to prevent bacteria from recolonizing. The procedure typically requires at least two visits and is performed under local anesthesia.

Surgery to Reduce Pockets

Individuals with moderate to severe gum disease may require pocket reduction operations, also known as osseous surgery. The objective is to eliminate deeply embedded tartar and plaque beneath the gums, beyond your hygienist’s reach. During this procedure, a periodontist makes an incision in the gums and forms a flap, allowing them to move the gums away from your teeth’s roots.

A dentist will then remove the tartar, plaque, and bacteria from the teeth’s roots and smooth any rough surfaces. Afterward, they will reposition the gums and close the wound with sutures. Periodontists often combine pocket reduction surgery with other regenerative procedures, such as gum grafting, guided tissue regeneration, or bone grafting.

Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP)

Periodontists may also provide pocket reduction using LANAP. This method employs a portable laser device to address periodontitis. The laser selectively targets diseased tissue in the gums while preserving healthy tissue. LANAP is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional pocket reduction surgery. However, the results have been mixed.

Bone Grafting

If you have lost bone due to periodontal disease, your periodontist can use a bone graft to restore it. After removing the infection, the medical professional will insert bone grafting materials into the areas where the bone has deteriorated. This substance functions as a framework or support structure, giving your body time to regenerate its bone tissue naturally.

Gum Grafts

If you have experienced gum tissue loss due to periodontal disease, a dentist might recommend a gum graft procedure known as tissue grafting. This procedure addresses exposed roots and enhances gum line thickness. During this surgery, a periodontist grafts tissue onto receding gum areas. The tissue can be sourced from the palatal region or acquired from your healthcare provider's authorized tissue and bone bank.

Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR)

Periodontists typically employ guided tissue regeneration in conjunction with bone grafts. This technique facilitates the restoration of periodontal defects and regions of deteriorated bone while preventing soft tissue growth in these areas.

During guided tissue regeneration, a periodontist places a synthetic membrane between the gums and the recently implanted bone graft material. The membrane maintains an open space for new bone growth, preventing faster-regenerating soft tissues from occupying the area.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)

PRF and PRP consist of growth factors that accelerate healing and tissue regeneration. A periodontist can obtain platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a small blood sample. The sample undergoes centrifugation, a process in which a centrifuge machine rapidly spins the sample to separate plasma from red blood cells using centrifugal force. The periodontist then applies the PRP or PRF to the surgical site.

This treatment enhances healing, accelerates recovery times, and alleviates post-surgical pain. It is completely safe because it is derived from your blood.

At-Home Treatment for Gum Disease

As previously mentioned, you can enhance your oral health routine at home to address mild gum issues. However, it is hard to determine the extent of the infection without seeking professional dental care.

When tartar accumulates below the gums, bacteria persistently erode gum and bone tissue. If you suspect you have gingivitis, seek a professional checkup, as thorough brushing alone cannot rectify the condition.

Tartar buildup can only be eliminated through dental scaling. If you notice a white deposit at the base of your teeth, do not attempt to remove it using at-home remedies. Instead, schedule an appointment with a hygienist for professional scaling.

Prevention

Having a good, regular oral hygiene practice can help you avoid gum disease. Some individuals are more susceptible to gum disease due to genetic factors or underlying medical conditions. In this case, scheduling more frequent appointments with a dental hygienist for cleanings may be necessary.

To reduce your risk of periodontal disease, follow these steps:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice daily
  • Floss regularly
  • Use a mouthwash
  • Visit a dentist for routine check-ups at least two times a year
  • Maintain a healthy diet
  • Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
  • Manage stress levels

What Can I Do If I Have Painful or Bleeding Gums

If your gums are bleeding, do not assume it is because you brushed too hard. Brushing more gently might stop the bleeding, but it might not fix the main problem if you have gum disease. Instead, consult a dentist to determine the root cause and appropriate treatment.

Schedule an appointment with a dentist and inform them about your bleeding gum condition. A dentist will measure any gum recession and look for other signs to gauge the severity of the issue. In serious cases, dental X-rays may be taken to assess the extent of bone deterioration.

If you experience bleeding, painful gums, or any other signs of gum disease, seek dental care promptly. Quickly removing the source of inflammation or infection reduces the risk of long-term damage.

Is Gum Disease Contagious?

Most people affected by gingivitis have an underlying medical condition or are experiencing hormonal changes that increase their vulnerability to bacteria. These oral bacteria spread through saliva. Gingivitis can be transmitted by sharing utensils, dental equipment, or kissing. However, individuals with healthy gums and good oral hygiene are unlikely to contract periodontal disease through interpersonal contact.

Find a Santa Clarita Dental Facility Near Me

Periodontal disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the bones and gum tissues supporting teeth. It can lead to loose teeth and, eventually, tooth loss. While gingivitis symptoms are usually subtle, certain signs may indicate the condition’s presence. If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a dentist.

At Valencia Advanced Dentistry at Copperhill Smiles, we can help treat your gum disease. Our dental professionals combine their expertise to offer patients various services. These include non-invasive procedures for gum disease, such as root planing and scaling, as well as more advanced periodontal treatments. Call us now at 661-775-7717 to schedule an appointment with our dental practitioners in Santa Clarita, CA.