Gum disease – how to treat it and prevent it

Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease and leads to red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Find out how to deal with it, and how to stop it happening in the first place.

What does gum disease look like

What causes gum disease?

When to see your dentist and getting diagnosed

Treatments for gum disease

Self-care tips to prevent gum disease

Sore, bleeding gums are common symptoms of gum disease, also known as gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed but if left untreated, it can lead to your teeth falling out – or even bone loss. Discover the first signs of gum disease and some easy self-care tips to follow at home.

Gum disease, or gingivitis, is very common; it affects between 50% and 90% of all adults, to some degree. It’s the first stage of gum disease and shows up as red, bleeding gums. 

If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to the next stage: periodontitis. As periodontitis gets worse, your gums and jawbone can become damaged, and your teeth may fall out, so gum disease should be treated seriously.

The good news is, that gum disease is preventable – and can even be reversed if you catch it early enough.


## What does gum disease look like
The symptoms of gingivitis include:
- red, swollen gums
- bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth.

At this stage, your gums may not feel sore or painful, so you may not realize you have gingivitis.

As the disease gets worse, you may start to notice symptoms such as:
- [bad breath (halitosis)](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/bad-breath)
- an unpleasant taste in your mouth
- shrinking or receding gums
- your teeth becoming loose or even falling out.

If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your dentist. The sooner you get treatment, the greater your chances of reversing gingivitis.


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## What causes gum disease?
All forms of gum disease are caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the surface of your teeth. Some bacteria in plaque are completely harmless but others can irritate and inflame your gums, which leads to gingivitis.

Untreated gingivitis can develop into periodontitis, which destroys the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Over time, the bone ‘holding’ your teeth is lost, so they become loose and fall out. 

Tooth loss can then lead you to neglect your diet, have trouble talking to others, and as you feel less confident, your quality of life may be lower.

Some research has linked untreated gum disease to conditions such as heart disease and stroke, suggesting harmful bacteria can enter your bloodstream through the gums, although more evidence is needed. So it’s important to get signs of gum disease checked out.

### Who’s at risk of gingivitis?
Some of us are more at risk of developing gum disease than others. This includes people who:
- __have poor dental hygiene__ – not taking proper care of your mouth and teeth can lead to a build-up of plaque
- __are pregnant__ – hormone changes during pregnancy can make your gums more sensitive
- __have diabetes__ – [diabetes](https://www.livehealthily.com/health-library/conditions/diabetes) can affect the body’s inflammatory and immune system, which – in turn – may have an impact on the condition of your gums
- __are older__ – older people tend to have a weaker immune system, so they’re more likely to develop gum disease and take longer to heal
- __have a poor diet__ – for example, too much sugar and fizzy drinks, and not enough teeth-friendly nutrients such as vitamin C, found in foods such as vegetables  
- __smoking__ – this affects blood flow to the gums and prevents healing. Smokers also have more plaque in their mouths than non-smokers.


## When to see your dentist and getting diagnosed
You should make an urgent appointment with your dentist if you have:
- gums that are very sore and swollen
- loose teeth or they are falling out
- a lump either on your lip or in your mouth
- red patches or ulcers inside your mouth.

Also see your dentist if you have bleeding gums when you brush your teeth or eat foods that are hard, you have painful or swollen gums, and/or bad breath.

Your dentist or a dental hygienist should thoroughly clean your teeth and gums, removing all harmful bacteria and tartar (hardened plaque). They might also take some X-rays to check your teeth and jawbone.


## Treatments for gum disease
Depending on how advanced your gum disease is, you may not need treatment beyond making sure you know how to clean your teeth properly – including in between them using floss or interdental brushes. 

You should also be booked in for regular dental check-ups to keep an eye on your gum health.

If you do need more treatment, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist – a dentist who specializes in gums. They may need to:
- deep clean the roots of your teeth under the gums, known as ‘root planing’, to get rid of any last traces of bacteria
- prescribe antibiotics
- remove any damaged or very loose teeth
- carry out gum surgery.

Your periodontist may also want to see you for regular check-ups, depending on the severity of your gum disease.

## Self-care tips to prevent gum disease
Following a good dental health routine is the best way to prevent gum disease.This includes:
- brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – and spit, don’t rinse, after cleaning your teeth
- cleaning in between your teeth daily with floss, interdental brushes, or a water flosser
- seeing your dentist at least once a year for check-ups, or more often if needed – if you have diabetes, are pregnant, or have a higher risk of gum disease
- stop smoking or using other tobacco products
- eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help control inflammation in the body, protecting against gingivitis. Plus limit the amount of sugary foods and drinks you have.

Gum disease can come back if you don’t take good care of your teeth and gums. But looking out for any symptoms of gingivitis, and tackling it early, can stop you losing your teeth and your confidence. 

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References

Roz Ryan

Fiona Bugler

Dr Ewan O'Farrell

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Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease and leads to red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Find out how to deal with it, and how to stop it happening in the first place. 