Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to more serious conditions if left untreated. It's often caused by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. Gingivitis is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily, especially during brushing or flossing.

If gingivitis is not addressed, it can progress to a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis, or periodontal disease. This occurs when the inflammation spreads to the bone and tissues that support your teeth, leading to the formation of pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets can become infected and, over time, cause the bone and tissue to degrade.

Periodontal disease is more severe than gingivitis and can lead to tooth loss if untreated. Furthermore, periodontal disease has been linked to other health issues such as heart disease and diabetes, underscoring the importance of maintaining good oral health.

What is a fast way to get rid of gum disease?

Gum disease, if detected early and treated properly, can often be successfully managed and even reversed. The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which is characterized by red, swollen gums that bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible because it has not yet affected the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. 

• Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing can remove plaque, the primary cause of gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day. Consider using an electric toothbrush, which can be more effective at removing plaque.
• Use an Antimicrobial Mouthwash: Antimicrobial mouthwashes can help reduce the bacteria in your mouth that cause gum disease. Rinse with a mouthwash that has been proven to help fight gum disease.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off a gum infection and also making it more likely for gum disease to develop.
• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups and professional teeth cleanings are vital. Your dentist can detect early gum disease symptoms if you see them on a regular basis. They can provide a thorough cleaning to remove tartar and plaque that brushing at home does not.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy fats can help bolster your immune system and fight off infections, including gum disease.

With a professional dental cleaning at All Smiles Dental SPA to remove tartar buildup, along with good oral hygiene habits at home, such as regular brushing and flossing, you can typically eliminate the plaque that causes gingivitis.

Gum Disease Treatment Options at All Smiles Dental SPA

In the early stages, known as gingivitis, treatment usually involves a professional dental cleaning. During this procedure, the dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from above and below the gum line of all your teeth.

If you have more severe gum disease, which is called periodontitis, you might need a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is a deep-cleaning procedure under local anesthesia where plaque and tartar are scraped away from above and below the gum line (scaling), and rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing). Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

In some cases, if the pockets do not heal after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery may be necessary to reduce pocket depths, making teeth easier to clean. The options might include flap surgery, which involves lifting back the gums and removing tartar, or bone and tissue grafts, where natural or synthetic bone is placed in areas of bone loss to promote bone growth.

Alongside these treatments, maintaining good oral hygiene at home is essential. Regular brushing, flossing, and use of an antibacterial mouthwash can help prevent plaque buildup and control gum disease.