Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues around the teeth that runs from gingivitis, meaning redness, swelling and bleeding on brushing, to periodontitis, where the attachment and the jawbone holding the tooth are lost. The severe form is not rare: the Global Burden of Disease 2019 analysis counted 1.1 billion prevalent cases of severe periodontitis worldwide, and the age-standardised prevalence rate rose 8.44% between 1990 and 2019 (PubMed 34101223). Gingivitis reverses with plaque control; periodontitis does not, which is why brushing twice a day, cleaning between the teeth and a six-monthly dental check are the practical line of defence.
- 01Gingivitis and periodontitis are stages, not synonyms: gingivitis inflames the gum surface and reverses with plaque control, while periodontitis destroys the attachment and bone that hold the tooth and does not reverse on its own.
- 02Severe periodontitis affected 1.1 billion people globally in 2019, and the age-standardised prevalence rate increased 8.44% (95% uncertainty interval 6.62% to 10.59%) over the three decades from 1990 (PubMed 34101223).
- 03Population growth accounted for 67.9% of the rise in case numbers between 1990 and 2019, so the growing burden is demographic as much as behavioural (PubMed 34101223).
- 04Adding floss to brushing may reduce gingivitis at one month (standardised mean difference -0.58, 95% CI -1.12 to -0.04; 8 trials, 585 participants), though Cochrane graded this evidence low certainty (PubMed 30968949).
- 05Interdental brushes may reduce plaque more than brushing alone (standardised mean difference -1.07, 95% CI -1.51 to -0.63; 2 trials, 93 participants), a larger effect than the one measured for oral irrigators (PubMed 30968949).
Gum diseases are health problems that occur as a result of infection and inflammation of the gum tissue around the teeth. If left untreated, it can progress to tooth loss. Therefore, it is extremely important to research gum diseases , learn their causes and learn prevention information.
/ What are Gum Diseases?
Gum diseases usually start with infection and inflammation. Below you can find the most common gum diseases:
Gingivitis (Gum Inflammation)
Gingivitis is the mildest and most common form of gum disease. Symptoms are:
- Redness and swelling in the gums
- Bleeding during tooth brushing
- Bad breath
Gingivitis can be easily treated with good oral hygiene. If left untreated, it can turn into periodontitis.
Periodontitis (Advanced Gum Disease)
When gingivitis progresses, periodontitis occurs. This disease can cause gum recession and tooth loss. Symptoms include:
- Gum recession
- Loose teeth
- Gaps opening between teeth
- Loss of the jawbone
- Bad taste and odor in the mouth
If left untreated, it can cause tooth loss. In addition, periodontitis can affect other systems in the body and lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Bone health matters here as well: a meta-analysis of 28 studies found more clinical attachment loss, deeper pockets and more bleeding on probing in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis than in women without it. Bone health matters here as well: a meta-analysis of 28 studies found more clinical attachment loss, deeper pockets and more bleeding on probing in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis than in women without it.
Gum Abscess
Gum abscess is a condition that causes swelling and inflammation in the gums due to bacterial infection. If left untreated, it can lead to serious infections. Symptoms include severe pain, fever, bad taste in the mouth and swelling. Not every painful spot on the gums is gum disease, though: a round or oval ulcer with a grey-white base and a red rim is typical of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, for which topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment. Not every painful spot on the gums is gum disease, though: a round or oval ulcer with a grey-white base and a red rim is typical of recurrent aphthous stomatitis, for which topical corticosteroids are the first-line treatment.
Gum Recession
Gum recession is the recession of the gum tissue over time, exposing the roots of the teeth. This can lead to sensitivity and cavities in the teeth. Receding gums are a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss over time.
/ Causes and Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
Causes of Gum Disease
There are many causes of gum disease. The most common causes are:
Inadequate Oral Hygiene
Not brushing your teeth or brushing them incorrectly is one of the main causes of gum disease. Bacterial plaque damages the gums over time. When teeth are not brushed regularly, plaque can turn into tartar and cause more damage to the gums.
Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of gum disease. Tobacco products weaken the immune system and prevent gum tissue from healing. In addition, smoking can prevent the gums from receiving oxygen and nutrients, causing inflammation.
Stress and Weakening of the Immune System
Stress suppresses the immune system and reduces the body's ability to fight infections. This paves the way for gum disease. Stress can also lead people to develop harmful habits such as clenching or grinding their teeth.
Genetic Factors
Some individuals may be genetically more prone to gum disease. The risk is higher in people with a family history of gum disease. Such people should pay more attention to regular dental check-ups.
Nutritional Habits
A balanced and healthy diet is essential to maintain gum health. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to gum inflammation. Excessive sugar and acidic foods increase the formation of dental plaque, threatening gum health.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make gums more sensitive and increase the risk of infection.
Ways to Prevent Gum Disease
To prevent gum disease, you need to take the following precautions:
Regular Teeth Brushing and Flossing
- Brushing your teeth at least twice a day
- Cleaning between your teeth using dental floss
- Using antibacterial mouthwashes
Healthy Diet
- Avoiding sugary and acidic foods
- Consuming foods rich in vitamin C
- Drinking plenty of water
Quitting Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol are factors that negatively affect gum health. When you quit smoking, your gums become healthier.
Managing Stress
Reducing stress strengthens your immune system and helps prevent gum disease.
Regular Dentist Checkups
Visiting the dentist every six months helps diagnose gum disease early. Professional teeth cleaning prevents plaque and tartar buildup.
/ Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes gum bleeding?
Gum bleeding is usually caused by inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Apart from this, harsh tooth brushing or vitamin deficiencies can also cause bleeding.
- Does gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes, advanced gum disease can cause tooth loss. Periodontitis can cause the jawbone to resorb and cause teeth to fall out.
- How to stop gum recession?
To stop gum recession, good oral hygiene should be provided, gum-friendly toothpastes should be used and treatments recommended by the dentist should be applied.
- What can be done at home against gum disease?
Gum disease can be prevented at home with measures such as regular tooth brushing, dental floss, healthy diet and avoiding smoking.
Gum disease can be prevented with early diagnosis and correct precautions. Factors such as regular oral care routine, healthy diet, avoiding smoking and stress play an important role in maintaining gum health. In addition, regular dentist check-ups can prevent gum disease from progressing. Don't forget to take care of your daily oral care for healthy gums!
Let’s plan the right treatment together.
Free Assessment→- 1.Chen MX, Zhong YJ, Dong QQ, Wong HM, Wen YF. Global, regional, and national burden of severe periodontitis, 1990-2019: An analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. J Clin Periodontol 2021;48:1165-1188. PubMed 34101223
- 2.Worthington HV, MacDonald L, Poklepovic Pericic T, Sambunjak D, Johnson TM, Imai P, et al. Home use of interdental cleaning devices, in addition to toothbrushing, for preventing and controlling periodontal diseases and dental caries. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019;4:CD012018. PubMed 30968949
- 3.Stoopler ET, Villa A, Bindakhil M, Díaz DLO, Sollecito TP. Common Oral Conditions: A Review. JAMA. 2024;331(12):1045-1054.
- 4.Qi J, Chen J, Pang Y, Guo Y, Chen G, Liu Y, et al. Association between periodontal disease and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon. 2023;9(11):e20922.
