The best way to stop gum disease is to keep plaque under control every day, clean carefully between your teeth and have regular dental check ups so any problems can be identified before they become more serious. Although gum disease is extremely common, it is not something you simply have to accept as you get older.
In fact, the World Health Organisation estimates that severe periodontal disease affects around 19% of people over the age of 15 years old worldwide, representing more than 1 billion cases. The good news is that gum disease can often be prevented and when it is spotted early, it can be much easier to manage.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease starts with plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that continually forms on your teeth. If plaque is not removed properly, it can irritate the gums, causing them to become red, swollen and prone to bleeding.
At this early stage, the condition is known as gingivitis. This can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning.
The problem is that gum disease does not always hurt. This means you may have a problem developing without feeling that anything is wrong. If inflammation is allowed to progress, it can develop into periodontitis, where the tissues and bone supporting the teeth become damaged.
Gum disease starts with plaque, the sticky layer of bacteria that continually forms on your teeth.
Top Tips On How To Stop Gum Disease
1) Brush Your Teeth Properly Twice A Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is one of the simplest things you can do to protect your gums, but how you brush matters. Use a fluoride toothpaste and spend around two minutes cleaning all surfaces of your teeth. The NHS recommends brushing at least twice a day and advises spitting out the toothpaste rather than rinsing immediately afterwards, allowing the fluoride to remain in the mouth for longer.
There is no need to brush aggressively. In fact, being too forceful can irritate your gums. Concentrate on reaching the gum line and cleaning thoroughly rather than simply brushing as hard as possible.
2) Clean Between Your Teeth Every Day
A toothbrush cannot reach all the areas where plaque collects. This is why cleaning between your teeth needs to be part of your daily routine.
Depending on the spaces between your teeth, you may benefit from interdental brushes, dental floss or another method recommended by your hygienist. Interdental brushes can be particularly useful where there are larger spaces.
The important thing is consistency. Cleaning between your teeth once in a while is not enough to properly control the plaque and bacteria that can contribute to gum inflammation.
3) Do Not Ignore Bleeding Gums
Bleeding when you brush or clean between your teeth should not simply be dismissed as normal. It is one of the most common early signs of gum disease and is something worth discussing with your dentist or hygienist, particularly if it continues. Other warning signs can include persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, gum recession, sensitivity and changes in the position or movement of your teeth.
The earlier gum disease is identified, the better the opportunity to prevent it from progressing.
4) Have Regular Professional Cleaning
Even people who are very careful with their oral hygiene can struggle to remove every trace of plaque. Hardened plaque cannot simply be brushed away at home and may require professional cleaning.
Regular appointments with a dental hygienist can therefore play an important role in maintaining healthy gums. Professional hygiene care can remove deposits that are difficult to reach yourself, while regular examinations allow changes in your gums to be identified early. The NHS also recommends regular dental and hygienist appointments as part of preventing gum disease.
Regular appointments with a dental hygienist can play an important role in maintaining healthy gums.
5) Stop Smoking
Smoking is another important factor to consider when thinking about how to stop gum disease. Tobacco use is a recognised risk factor for periodontal disease and can make maintaining healthy gums more difficult. If you smoke, stopping can therefore benefit your gums as well as your wider health.
6) Look After Your Gums Even If They Feel Fine
One of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until their gums become painful before doing something about them. Gum disease can develop quietly, particularly in its earlier stages. Periodontal disease does not tend to cause significant pain or discomfort, which is one reason why bleeding gums and other subtle changes should not be overlooked.
If you already have gum disease, simply improving your brushing routine may not be enough. More advanced periodontitis can involve deeper pockets around the teeth and loss of supporting bone, requiring professional treatment.
Treatment may include non surgical periodontal therapy, sometimes known as deep cleaning or root surface debridement, to remove bacteria, plaque and calculus from the roots of the teeth. In more advanced or rapidly progressing cases, periodontal surgery may be considered. Once active treatment has finished, ongoing maintenance is an important part of keeping the disease under control.
Can Gum Disease Be Stopped?
Yes, gum disease can often be stopped from progressing, particularly when it is identified and treated early. Gingivitis can be reversible, while established periodontitis cannot simply be reversed because damage to the supporting tissues and bone may be permanent. However, with appropriate treatment and ongoing care, the condition can be effectively managed.
The key is not to wait until the problem becomes obvious. Good daily cleaning, professional care and regular examinations give your gums the best possible chance of staying healthy.
If you are concerned about bleeding gums, gum recession, bad breath or changes in your teeth, speaking to a specialist can provide much more clarity than trying to diagnose the problem yourself. The Perio Centre in Harley Street is led by Dr Simon Stern, a Specialist Periodontist and Implant Dentist, and provides personalised treatment for gum disease, including non surgical periodontal therapy, periodontal surgery and ongoing maintenance.
Dr Simon Stern is a registered Specialist Periodontist at The Perio Centre. His qualifications include BDS MJDF RCS (Eng) MClinDent MPerio RCS (Ed). He lectures at both national and international conferences, and has published papers in several well-respected journals.
