Despite its prevalence, gum recession is a condition that warrants attention. It’s usually a sign of gum disease, which could worsen and progress to more serious issues if you leave it untreated. To protect yourself against gum recession, it is important to understand its causes, the stages of receding gums, and how to treat and prevent it.

What Causes Gum Recession?

Receding gums pull away from the teeth and expose parts of the tooth roots that should be covered. Preventing gum recession requires an awareness of gum disease, one of the most common causes of tooth loss. If your gums look red and swollen or bleed when you brush or floss, you could have gum disease, contributing to gum recession. There are several causes of receding gums:

• Aggressive or rough brushing
• Bacteria
• Certain medications
• Grinding or clenching teeth
• Hormonal changes
• Insufficient dental care
• Poor oral hygiene
• Tobacco use
• Trauma to the mouth

Although common, gum recession occurs gradually, and many people may not realize they have it. You may first notice tooth sensitivity or that some of your teeth look longer than they used to. Although gum recession may take weeks or months, factors like brushing too hard can speed up the process.

Addressing gum recession is crucial to oral health because mild sensitivity could progress to more severe problems, including bone loss and other non-dental health conditions.

What Do the Receding Gums Stages Look Like?

Healthy Gums

Healthy gums are typically pink, firm, and wholly attached to the teeth to provide support. If your gums do not have these characteristics, you are likely experiencing one of four stages of gum recession:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis, the earliest of the receding gum stages, develops from bacteria and plaque accumulation. Although you may not notice any recession immediately, you may feel some tooth sensitivity. During the early stages of receding gums, common symptoms of gingivitis include

• Bad breath or a metallic taste
• Bleeding of gums after brushing or flossing
• Increased spacing between teeth
• Swollen gums

Proper oral hygiene that includes daily flossing and brushing at least two times each day can stave off receding gums, assuming you include regular dental check-ups as part of your oral health regimen. Although there might not be any detectable discomfort, diagnosing gingivitis at this stage is critical to stopping gum recession before it becomes periodontitis.

Early Periodontitis

Early periodontitis is typically the phase that follows gingivitis. During this stage, the gums have become more inflamed, separating from the teeth and forming periodontal “pockets.” When food, plaque, and bacteria collect in these pockets, an infection can set in below the gum line and make the pockets bigger.

Early periodontitis also marks the beginning of bone weakening and loss and decreased immunity against infection. You may also have more pain when flossing or brushing, increased sensitivity, and bad breath.

Moderate Periodontitis

The inflammation and discomfort you previously experienced will likely worsen during moderate periodontitis. The advanced gum recession also includes more bone loss and the loosening, shifting, or loss of teeth due to the spread of plaque and bacteria. You will also notice that your gums are more swollen and may produce a discharge that tastes bad.

Advanced Periodontitis

Tooth loss is most likely to occur during advanced periodontitis. Painful abscesses also characterize this stage due to the infection spreading beneath the gums. The teeth that do remain are probably loose or about to come out because they do not have enough strong bone and tissue to keep them in place.

Talking, eating, or drinking can become painful and uncomfortable during advanced periodontitis. Without the proper dental care, you also become more susceptible to other health conditions:

• Arthritis
• Some forms of cancer
• Diabetes
• Heart attack

Treating Gum Recession

Prevention is the best form of treatment for receding gums. It helps to schedule regular dental check-ups, brush and floss daily, and continually check your teeth and gums for early signs of gum disease or other changes. You can also prevent gum recession by eating a healthy diet and avoiding tobacco products.

Unfortunately, any gum tissue you lose during recession cannot grow back. However, catching gum disease early makes it easier to keep it from progressing. If your dentist detects early signs of gum recession or gingivitis during a routine visit, they will recommend treatment to meet your dental health needs. They also might need you to schedule more frequent dental visits.

For any signs of periodontitis, your dentist may recommend surgery if preventive care, professional cleaning, or antibiotics do not improve your condition. One common intervention is scaling and root planing, which involves using a curette or surgical scraping tool to remove the plaque and tartar below the gum line. After scaling, the dentist uses root planing to smooth the roots so that the gums will reattach.

Your dentist may also perform flap surgery to lift the gums back for easier cleaning before suturing them back together. If you have already reached advanced periodontitis or suffered extensive bone and tissue damage, you may need bone grafting or gum grafting to restore damaged or lost tissue.

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We explore gum grafting and how it can restore a patient’s oral health. We also discuss the timing of gum grafting and when other procedures are more effective in treating advanced gum recession.

What Is Gum Grafting and When Would I Need It?

Gum grafting is a technique that covers exposed tooth roots and surfaces and revives existing gum tissue. Most dentists or periodontists perform three types of gum grafting. One is a sub-epithelial connective-tissue graft, which uses a piece of tissue below the surface of the skin located on the roof of the mouth. Free-gingival grafts utilize the outermost layer of the mouth roof, and pedicle grafts utilize the gum tissue next to the receding area.

Gum grafting typically occurs with local anesthesia and takes less than an hour. The procedure is relatively painless, and patients need little time to recover. Patients with more severe gun recession may need more than one appointment.

Gum grafting is a treatment for many cases of gum recession, when the gum tissue gradually moves away from the tooth, exposing more of the root and other surfaces. The most common culprit of gum recession is poor oral hygiene resulting in periodontal disease. Other contributors to receding gums include:

• Grinding teeth (awake or asleep)
• Injury to the gums
• Excessive toothbrushing (stiff brush or heavy hand)
• Misalignment in one’s bite
• Medication induced recession
• Malnutrition
• Eating disorders (i.e. anorexia or bulimia)
• Smoking
• Chewing tabacco
• Genetic predisposition (family trait)

Gum recession is more than just an aesthetic problem. Left untreated, it can leave a person more vulnerable to cavities, tooth sensitivity, decay, and even tooth loss. If a thorough professional cleaning does not solve the problem, it may be time to consider gum grafting.

When Is It Too Late for Gum Grafting?

When does gum grafting work for gum recession? If your dentist recommends gum grafting, it is essential to have the procedure done as soon as possible. Doing so will likely prevent further recession and help you avoid more serious oral health issues later.

Given your circumstances and oral health, your dentist may be able to determine at what point gum grafting would be successful, for example, if your gums show minimal damage or bone loss. If the damage to your gums is too extensive, the procedure may not solve your problem, or the odds of successful gingival graft may be diminished.

There is no hard and fast cut-off point when gum grafting is no longer viable. However, a gum graft may fail in advanced cases where the loss of gums and bone is significant or if too much of the root is exposed. Alternatively, your dentist may recommend removing and replacing the teeth with dental implants. Even in cases where implant therapy is indicated, a gum graft may still be necessary to provide adequate tissue for a successful dental implant.

If your gum recession is advanced and you proceed with grafting, there is a slight chance of complications, such as pain, swelling, infection, and/or failure to heal properly resulting in a failed graft. Failures or complications are rare if an experienced surgeon is performing the procedure and you are a healthy candidate for gum grafting. It’s also very important to follow all post-op and pre-op instructions to get the best results from your gum grafting procedure.

If you do experience a gum graft may failure, it may be indicated by a section of white tissue that becomes separated. This signifies that the grafted section is no longer getting enough blood and is dying. You might also experience a fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit or see pus at the surgical site.

Contact your dentist or periodontist immediately for emergency care for any complications or symptoms of gum graft failure.

Is Gum Grafting the Right Option for Me?

Your dentist or periodontist can help you decide if gum grafting can restore your gums and teeth. During an initial exam, they will assess the amount of your gum recession and consider the underlying causes to determine if a gum graft is the appropriate course of action.

Before the procedure, your dentist will review all the steps with you and answer your questions. Be sure to ask about what you will require for aftercare and the follow-up appointment about a week after the graft.

During recovery, stick with cold and soft foods like soft- or hard-boiled eggs, yogurt, cottage cheese, gelatin, and soft-cooked vegetables. Healing should occur in one or two weeks, after which you can resume regular brushing and flossing. However, the grafted tissue may take about a month to heal completely.

The post When Is It Too Late for Gum Grafting? appeared first on Sarasota Dentistry.

Bleeding when brushing teeth, even with no pain, is never ordinary or healthy. The causes of bleeding gums during brushing vary, depending on your health condition or other factors. Here is a more in-depth look into the reasons and what you can do to remedy bleeding gums.

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

There are many causes of bleeding gums, some of which are related to brushing and flossing habits. For instance, you could be brushing too roughly or using a brush with bristles that are not soft enough. In some cases, reducing the pressure or selecting a brush with softer bristles may remedy the situation.

Suppose you last flossed a while ago, but you started to take up the practice to improve your oral hygiene. Resuming flossing is another possible cause of bleeding of the gums. There may also be pain associated with the bleeding when resuming a routine flossing schedule. In many cases, maintaining gentle flossing daily will eliminate the problem.

Some pregnant women may experience bleeding while brushing, which is common in the second and third trimesters. This happens due to increases in hormone production, causing more blood flow to gums, morning sickness leaving more acid on your gums, cravings for more carbs and sweets, and decreases in protective saliva. After the birth of a child, these symptoms should go away. In the meantime, maintaining regular brushing and flossing is essential.

Some health conditions can cause bleeding gums, particularly diabetes, which a person can manage by controlling sugar consumption. Blood disorders like hemophilia can leave a person susceptible to gum bleeds, which patients can control with medication. Another blood disorder, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), causes a decrease in the number of platelets that help stop bleeding. People with ITP can occasionally suffer from bleeding from the mouth and gums.

It is no secret that chemotherapy can cause serious side effects, including those affecting the mouth. People experiencing certain types of cancer, like leukemia, may notice some gum bleeding. If you are receiving cancer treatment or chemotherapy and have bleeding gums, alert your dentist, who can work with your oncologist on your treatment regimen.

People taking certain medications or undergoing treatments may experience painless gum bleeding. For instance, blood thinners like Coumadin and aspirin can make gum bleeding more likely. People using blood thinners can try waxed floss instead of toothpicks and a soft-bristle toothbrush to reduce the bleeding. Patients on blood thinners are much more susceptible to plaque and tarter causing the bleeding gums so rigorous dental hygiene is mandatory. If bleeding gums persists in the presence of good oral hygiene, you should consult with your physician to confirm you are taking your medication correctly.

Using cigarettes and other tobacco products can make gum bleeding more frequent. Gum disease has been linked to smoking, inhibiting the body’s ability to fight harmful bacteria in the gum tissue.

Diet is sometimes a culprit for bleeding gums. Eating starchy and sugary foods can increase plaque and tartar buildup, contributors to gingivitis. Not getting enough leafy green vegetables can deprive your body of Vitamin K, leading to bleeding.

Lack of Vitamin C might also be to blame. In more severe cases, Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy, causing not only bleeding gums but also tooth loosening and bleeding beneath the skin.

How to Stop Gums From Bleeding

Even when no pain occurs, bleeding gums is abnormal, and you should work to correct the issue. You can try some home remedies for minor bleeding gums, such as applying clean, wet gauze (folded paper towel) to the affected gum area. You can also use an ice cube or cold compress to alleviate the swelling and bleeding. If blood thinners are suspected to be the cause of the bleeding gums, apply firm pressure while using the wet gauze/paper towel for 10 minutes or more and seek medical attention to ensure you are taking your blood thinners properly.

Antibacterial mouthwash can also help to treat mild bleeding and prevent reoccurrence. If you do not have mouthwash handy, try a salt water rinse, mixing half a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of water.

Sometimes changing your diet, such as limiting sugary, processed, and starchy foods, can do the trick. Eating crunchy vegetables like carrots or celery can remove food particles in-between brushing. Also, leafy greens can address Vitamin K deficiency.

Among the many benefits of quitting smoking, boosting gum health is one of them. If you smoke and later decide to quit, you will probably see positive changes in your gums and oral health.

Good oral hygiene may not stop gum bleeding, or the gums may change appearance. If you continue to notice pain, swelling, and continued bleeding, you could be experiencing early-stage gum disease or gingivitis. A visit to the dentist can confirm this. Early intervention can prevent gum disease and gingivitis from progressing and becoming periodontitis, a severe form of gingivitis that often leads to tooth decay and loss.

For gingivitis or periodontitis, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning method to remove excess plaque and tartar and restore gum health. This procedure involves using a dental scaler or curette to remove the plaque and tartar on the tooth surface and below the gums. The next step is to smooth the tooth roots so that the gums can heal and reconnect with the teeth. Scaling and root planing may require more than one office visit.

If you notice that your gums bleed while brushing, improving your oral hygiene to rule out poor dental health never hurts. If the bleeding is because of other factors, your dentist can recommend treatments and ways to preserve your gum health.

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Is periodontitis contagious? There is research suggesting that it can spread from person to person through saliva. With over 47% of adults having some form of periodontal disease, it is important to understand periodontitis and the conditions that increase its likelihood of spreading.

What Is Periodontitis?

Gum diseases vary from mild gum inflammation to more severe stages that involve damaged soft tissues and bone, ultimately leading to tooth loss. The earliest stage is gingivitis, when a bacterial infection develops from a buildup of plaque, the sticky substance that accumulates on teeth even with regular brushing.

With early gum disease, the gums can be tender, swollen, and red. These reactions are the result of the body’s immune system attacking the bacteria to protect against an infection. If you identify gingivitis early enough, you may be able to prevent some or all of the damage.

Gingivitis that goes untreated typically evolves into periodontal disease, which not only infects the gums but also starts to break down the connective tissues and bone. This is all the result of the body trying to protect itself against a foreign body stuck in the gums like a splinter in your skin. Unfortunately, that tarter, also known as calculus, which is cemented to the tooth now makes the tooth the target. If the calculus isn’t removed from the tooth, it may result in bone loss, tooth mobility and eventual loss of the tooth/teeth. Periodontal infections are also common with more advanced forms of severe periodontitis. The immune system plays a huge roll in the progression of gum disease. Factors that affect the immune system include: stress (both physical and emotional), diet, health, age, weight, and medications.

You may have periodontal disease if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding when brushing or flossing, or red on your toothbrush bristles
• Changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite down
• Dark red or purple gums
• Gums that bleed easily or are tender or swollen
• Pain when chewing
• Persistent bad breath
• Pus between gums and teeth
• Receding gums
• Spaces that look like black triangles between teeth
• Teeth that are loose or falling out

While gum disease is not curable, treatments are available, depending on its severity. If you experience any of the symptoms of periodontal disease, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

You may wonder “Can gum disease spread to another person?” While you are probably safe with brief, casual contact, long-term behaviors like kissing could increase another person’s risk for periodontal disease. You should also be wary of family settings where people share food and utensils or cough and sneeze near each other. Family members may also share some of the same habits such as diet and oral hygiene which can be significant factors contributing to the gum disease progression.

Researchers are still studying the extent to which periodontitis is contagious. Children whose parents have advanced gum disease are at greater risk for developing it, as are spouses and romantic partners. However, being in close contact that involves the exchange of saliva or bacteria does not automatically mean that you will develop periodontal disease.

Preventing the Spread of Bacteria Causing Gum Disease

Anyone can adopt behaviors that help prevent or control periodontal disease. The most effective prevention method is brushing and flossing daily to eliminate the bacteria that lead to gum disease. You should also schedule a dental check-up once or twice a year for a professional cleaning and to diagnose any early signs of gingivitis or other issues.

If you do develop gum disease, its progression depends to a large extent on your oral hygiene habits. Keeping the bacteria at bay or treating gum disease early may reduce the risk of spreading gingivitis or periodontal disease through saliva exchange.

Reducing the risk of infection among other family members or romantic partners requires good oral hygiene and treatment in more severe cases. If you need treatment, it is best to avoid kissing or other close contact until after recovery from your dental procedure.

Treating Periodontitis

If you have any symptoms of periodontal disease, seeing a dentist right away is crucial. After a thorough exam, they can recommend the best treatment for you.

If you have mild gum disease, you might be a good candidate for scaling and root planing. This procedure is like professional cleaning, but it extends to below the gums to remove plaque, tarter and/or calculus unreachable by a toothbrush or floss.

During scaling and root planing, the dental hygienist cleans or scales the tarter and then smooths (planes) the root surfaces to prevent new bacteria from accumulating. You may need a second appointment for the treatment to be effective, and you will likely receive local anesthesia. Once the tarter is removed and root is smoothed, it is critical to keep those surfaces clean with daily oral hygiene and regularly scheduled professional cleanings. This is a case where prevention is the best medicine.

Your dentist may recommend flap surgery if your gum disease is more advanced. During flap surgery, the dentist lifts back the gums to remove the tartar and plaque. After cleaning, the dentist sews the gums back together so that they close around the tooth.

Bone or gum grafting may be the best approach if you have bone or tissue damage. Grafting usually involves taking healthy bone or tissue from another part of the mouth and placing it where it can regenerate and replace the damaged parts.

To maintain the benefits of periodontal treatment, you must continue your oral hygiene to keep your gum disease under control. Although there is no cure for periodontitis, a reduction in the condition is possible with continued dental care and healthy dental habits at home. Even after successful treatment, you need life-long care to prevent the recurrence of infection and reduce the risk of spreading it to others.

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Tartar accumulation can cause gum disease. A dentist will likely recommend a deep dental cleaning when gum disease becomes severe. Here is what you need to know about what deep cleaning is, when it is necessary, and how it can benefit your oral health.

What Is Dental Deep Cleaning?

You might know deep cleaning as scaling or root planing. Dental deep cleaning involves removing tartar buildup below the gum line. It helps close the gap between the gums and teeth that often result from gum disease. Because patients undergoing a dentist deep cleaning procedure get a local anesthetic, this non-surgical procedure should not hurt. However, the gums might feel sore afterward.

When severe gum disease or periodontitis develops, routine professional cleaning will not be enough to remove the tartar and restore gum health. The dentist usually recommends deep cleaning to reverse gum disease, guard against infection, and prevent tooth loss.

What Is Involved in Dental Deep Cleaning?

If you think you might benefit from a dental deep cleaning, your dentist can determine whether you have gum disease and need this procedure. First, the dentist will measure the gap between your gums and teeth with a periodontal probe. A gap greater than 3 mm typically signals gum disease. Your dentist will also probably order x-rays of your teeth to identify any tooth damage and determine whether a deep cleaning might make it worse.

Bleeding gums, inflammation, and loose teeth also signal gum disease. While most dentists do not treat gingivitis with deep cleaning, periodontitis and more advanced stages of gum disease usually require it.

After the diagnosis, you will schedule two deep cleaning appointments. Because you will typically need a local anesthetic for this procedure, the dentist will only do one side of your mouth during each visit. Otherwise, numbing your whole mouth would make it difficult to eat, drink, or speak afterward.

At the start of each appointment, the dentist will apply a numbing cream or inject an anesthetic into your gums, making the deep cleaning painless. Then, they will use a scraping instrument and a vibrating ultrasonic device to remove the tartar and plaque.

When you come in for your second appointment, the dentist will use the same instruments to remove the plaque and tartar from the other side of your mouth. They will also check the areas they treated during your last visit to ensure proper recovery.

Each appointment will last 1-4 hours. If you have a severe infection, the dentist may add an antibiotic gel to the tooth-gum gaps. You may also need mouthwash or antibiotic tablets to continue treating the infection.

Post-Procedure Care

For 24 hours after each appointment, avoid brushing and flossing. You should expect minor gum soreness and tooth sensitivity for about a week. When you are ready to brush and floss again, use toothpaste for sensitive teeth and a toothbrush with soft bristles. During this week of recovery, you should also avoid icy and hot food and beverages, which could aggravate your tooth sensitivity.

Your dentist will ask you to schedule a follow-up (comprehensive periodontal exam) visit about six weeks after your last deep cleaning. During this follow-up, your dentist will check your recovery and take another measurement of the gaps between your teeth and gums. Your dentist will refer you to a specialist if you need more aggressive treatment.

If you maintain proper oral hygiene after your appointments and follow-up, you may not need more deep cleanings. You should continue your daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups to prevent gum disease from reoccurring.

Benefits of Teeth Deep Cleaning

Deep dental cleaning can be effective in stopping or slowing down gum disease. It can also thwart tooth loss and help with bleeding gums. Deep cleaning can prevent gum disease from causing more severe complications that may require surgical procedures like tissue grafts and flap surgery.

Drawbacks of Teeth and Deep Gum Cleaning

When considering deep dental cleaning, it is also important to learn about the potential disadvantages and risks, such as soreness, sensitivity, and bleeding of the gums. However, this discomfort is typical and will disappear after about a week and in some rare cases may take 2-3 weeks.

Also, the procedure can be uncomfortable and seem scary to patients afraid of the dentist. Because patients get a local anesthetic, they will not feel any pain.

For some patients, the cost of the procedure can be another drawback. Out-of-pocket expenses can vary between $150-$350 per quadrant of the mouth. This amount usually does not include the cost of anesthesia. Many dentist offices offer payment plans for individuals who do not have dental insurance.

Some patients worry about tooth loss after deep cleaning. Your teeth might initially feel a little loose after the procedure, which is temporary. Over time, the gaps between the teeth and gums will decrease, giving you a more secure feeling. If your dentist thinks deep cleaning could lead to tooth loss, they will recommend another treatment.

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Why Does a Tooth Root Become Exposed?

A tooth is like an iceberg, most of which you do not see because it is underwater. With a tooth, the root is covered underneath the gum line and extends into the jawbone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the whole tooth and contains pulp, protective enamel, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.

Problems can occur with a tooth root poking through the gum and becoming exposed. There are several causes of an exposed tooth root, one of which is injury or trauma. This can happen if you suffer a blow to your mouth. The trauma can cause the tooth to break or move from its original position. A tooth that merely shifts in the gums can become visible. The trauma can also be caused by aggressive tooth brushing or a hard bristle toothbrush. Teeth grinding and clenching may also produce trauma contributing to recession and gum loss.

Some tooth root exposures are more gradual and can result from untreated tooth decay. In this case, a tooth’s protective enamel breaks down, increasing pain or sensitivity to hot or cold.

Gradual root exposure can also result from gum disease or more advanced periodontal disease. Untreated gum disease typically causes inflammation and usually leads to recession, when gums retreat or pull away and eventually expose tooth roots.

Some tooth root exposures are easy to see, mainly if they occur in the front of the mouth. Upon close inspection, you might be able to see an exposed root because of a broken tooth or damaged gums. There might also be a tooth that appears to be loosening or turning around.

If exposed roots are in the back of the mouth or crowded by other teeth, they can be hard to detect. You might have an exposed root if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding gums
• Broken tooth
• Fever with tooth pain
• Infection or abscess
• Pain while brushing or flossing
• Pain that does not subside with over-the-counter analgesics or medication
• Changes in the appearance of your teeth or gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods or liquids

A tooth root contains nerves and tissues that can cause pain when exposed to air. In addition to exposed tooth root pain relief, professional treatment can usually fix the damage and ward off infection that might lead to more serious medical problems.

How to Fix an Exposed Tooth Root

Unless severe tooth decay has occurred, your dentist can recommend an exposed tooth root treatment to save your tooth and ease your pain. The treatment usually depends on the reason for the exposure.

If tooth decay is the cause, your dentist will usually remove the decayed material and replace it with a filling. In more extreme cases, you might need a root canal or tooth extraction to correct the problem. Emergency dental care for mouth injuries or trauma is required to fix the broken tooth or surrounding jaw.

For root exposure related to gum recession, the dentist can use scaling and root planing to clean the roots and this may aid in gum reattachment. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar at or below the gums while root planing smooths the root’s surface to allow the gums to reattach.

Another solution to gum recession is gum grafting or a coronal repositioned flap procedure. These periodontal procedures are the most predictable way to restore the gumline and eliminate recession. However, the results may not last and additional periodontal surgery may be necessary to maintain the desired results.

Patients with exposed roots due to misalignment can get help from an orthodontist. Braces or Invisalign fixtures can correct the problem in most cases. More serious misalignments might require surgery.

Preventing Exposed Tooth Root

Tooth decay, gum recession, misalignment, and injury often cause tooth root exposure. Your dentist can address these causes before root exposure occurs and causes intense pain and other complications.

It is important to always use a soft bristle toothbrush and not brush too hard at the gumline. There is a happy medium… too light or too heavy of pressure can cause gum erosion and recession. If you are grinding or clenching your teeth, you should have a professional night guard fabricated and be sure to wear it every night. These night appliances require very meticulous adjustments that can only be performed by an experienced dentist. Over-the-counter night guards are not recommended to prevent recession caused by clenching and grinding or TMJ disorders.

An exposed root can be painful, disrupting your regular eating, sleeping, and talking. It is unwise to ignore an exposed tooth root or put off treating it until later. You might incur more damage without early intervention and need more intensive treatment later.

Regular professional cleanings by a dental hygienist and good oral hygiene at home are more straightforward ways to prevent tooth root exposure. If you notice an exposed root, it is important to seek dental care as soon as possible, even if you do not experience pain or other symptoms.

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Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis

Gingivitis and periodontitis are different phases of gum disease, which can cause tooth loss. Unlike healthy gums that are pink and strong, diseased gums have plaque buildup containing inflammatory bacteria. The difference between periodontitis and gingivitis has to do with the progression of inflammation and infection.

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, derives from an increase of plaque leading to bacterial infection. With gingivitis, gums can get red, tender, and inflamed. They might also bleed during flossing or brushing.

Catching gingivitis early enough can help reverse some of the damage it causes. This is true when the disease has not yet impacted the bone and the tissue in which it rests.

Periodontitis represents the advanced stages of gum disease. Over 47% of adults over 30 in the United States experience chronic periodontitis. At this phase, the infection extends beyond the gums and causes the bones and connective tissues to degenerate. Symptoms of periodontitis include:

• Bad breath or foul taste
• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Gum recession
• Gums that are tender, red, or inflamed
• Inflammation in other parts of the body
• Pain while eating
• Teeth that move around or are loose
• Tooth loss

Treatments for Gingivitis and Periodontitis

See your dentist if you notice the signs of gum disease, no matter how minor they appear. It is possible to reverse gum disease with early detection and treatment.

Treating gum disease requires good oral hygiene every day. If you smoke, it is important that you stop or cut back. If your symptoms do not improve after professional cleanings, your dentist might prescribe an antibiotic as an antiseptic mouthwash, tablet, or gel.

Periodontal surgery might be required if gum disease does not subside with preventive care, professional cleanings, or antibiotics. If your dentist detects detached or receding gums, loose teeth, swelling, bleeding, or pain, they may recommend an intervention like scaling and root planing. During this procedure, the dentist uses a curette to scrape away plaque and tartar deep below the gum line. Then, the curette is used to smooth the roots to allow the reattachment of gums to the teeth.

Flap surgery involves lifting the gums back to allow for tartar and plaque removal. The dentist then sutures the gums together to fit around the tooth.

Your dentist or periodontist might recommend bone or gum grafting if bone or connective tissues are too damaged. With grafting, the dentist uses tissue or bone from other parts of the mouth for regeneration.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best line of defense against gingivitis and periodontitis is prevention. Consistent oral hygiene can go a long way to keeping gums healthy and warding off inflammation, infection, and tooth loss.

Brushing and Flossing

It is impossible to overstate the importance of brushing and flossing daily or after every meal. Regular brushing dislodges trapped food and keeps plaque from accumulating. The tongue needs brushing, too, because it can harbor infectious bacteria. Daily flossing is another crucial step in preventing gum disease because it removes particles a toothbrush cannot reach.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking is a risk factor for gum disease. Because smoking compromises your immune system, it can make it more difficult for the gums to fight off an infection or heal. If you do smoke, quit or consult your doctor for help quitting.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride provides a natural defense against tooth decay. Although most municipalities add fluoride to drinking water, it might not be enough to preserve oral health. Using toothpaste with fluoride can help prevent gum disease.

Therapeutic Mouthwash

As an added measure against plaque buildup, consider adding therapeutic mouthwash to your dental regimen. It is an over-the-counter product that can remove food particles, reduce plaque, and slow down tartar accumulation.

Make sure you use mouthwash as a supplement to—not a replacement for—brushing and flossing. As with all dental hygiene products, look for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance to know it is effective and safe.

Regular Dental Cleanings and Checkups

You cannot get rid of tartar on your own, so twice-yearly professional cleanings and preventive care are necessary. In addition, regular dental checkups are essential to maintaining good oral health. During an office visit, your dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer, gum disease, and other dental ailments.

The post Gingivitis vs. Periodontitis: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Sarasota Dentistry.

Left untreated, black tartar on teeth can lead to unsightly staining, bad breath, cavities, and advanced gum disease. Understanding its causes and symptoms can make choosing the best treatment options easier.

What Is Black Tartar?

Eating anything starchy or sugary causes bacteria to accumulate on your teeth. Over time, these bacteria become plaque. When lack of brushing allows plaque to remain, it solidifies and forms tartar or calculus that gives your teeth a yellow appearance.

Black tartar is called subgingival tartar when it forms under the gum line. When tartar invades the blood vessels in your gums, it combines with the blood and proteins, causing a black appearance.

Causes of Black Tartar

Poor dental hygiene is the most common cause of black tartar on teeth. In addition to a lack of daily brushing and flossing, black tartar can build up due to staining beverages like coffee, soda, and wine, as well as sugary and starchy foods. Other culprits include bleeding gums, damage to the enamel, cigarette smoke, marijuana use, charcoal toothpaste, and some medications and food.

Symptoms of Black Tartar

Black tartar has various symptoms, which include:

• Foul breath
• Bleeding, sensitivity, or swelling in the gums
• Loose teeth
• Tooth discoloration
• Rough tooth surfaces

Gum disease can occur if black tartar on the gum line is left untreated. It can progress into periodontitis, an advanced form of gum disease usually resulting in tooth loss. If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

In general, tartar is not something to take lightly. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more likely it will stain or turn black. Any black or dark coloring on your teeth needs attention.

Treatment Options

You cannot remove black with extra brushing or flossing; it needs professional cleaning at the dentist’s office. In addition, only your dentist will know how to remove black tartar from teeth. They typically use scrapers or scalers to get rid of the black tartar, depending on the level of buildup. They might also use an ultrasonic tool to loosen the hardened tartar.

Your dentist may also recommend scaling and root planing to remove black tartar from teeth and below the gum line. The procedure involves two steps. First, the hygienist uses a scaler, a hook-shaped stainless-steel instrument, to detach the tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gums. In the second step, the hygienist uses that scaler to smooth out the roots and reattach the gums to the teeth.

Scaling and root planing typically involve administering a local anesthetic or topical Oraqix beforehand to prevent pain and discomfort. This two-part procedure might require more than one office visit, depending on how much tartar has accumulated.

Preventing Black Tartar

Good oral hygiene regularly is a simple but effective way to reduce tartar buildup. Regular dentist visits for professional cleanings and check-ups combined with twice-daily brushing with an electric toothbrush and regular flossing provide a well-rounded line of defense. Other prevention strategies include:

• Asking your dentist or dental hygienist for recommendations on a water flosser or specialized brush
• Checking regularly for any changes in your mouth, gums, and teeth
• Drinking lots of water
• Consuming green tea to reduce bacteria in the mouth
• Limiting consumption of starchy foods and sugary snacks and beverages
• Scheduling a professional dental cleaning every six months
• Stopping smoking and avoiding all tobacco products
• Using fluoride mouthwash every day
• Brushing with toothpaste with fluoride, baking soda, or any ingredient designed to prevent tartar
• Using hydrogen peroxide or anti-tartar whitening strips in moderation

After each professional cleaning, preventing black tartar and any extra buildup still requires daily oral hygiene on your part. Some people are more prone to excess plaque and tartar. If this applies to you, consider getting professional cleaning more often than twice a year.

A little extra vigilance can prevent black tartar or other problems from affecting your oral health. If you notice any symptoms or feel that something is not right with your teeth, you are better off checking with your dentist. Early intervention can help you avoid more severe issues later on.

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What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease involves inflammation of the gums (gingiva), periodontium (supporting structures around each tooth), or both. Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease resulting from plaque, a sticky film of oral bacteria and food particles. Gingivitis only affects the gums, not the supporting structures of the tooth. Plaque contains bacteria that create acids, causing the surrounding gums to become swollen, red, and prone to bleeding.⁴ Plaque can also lead to cavities.

When plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, a hard substance covering teeth and requiring removal by a dental professional. Over time, tartar and plaque can damage the periodontium, which consists of the bones and connective tissue surrounding each tooth. This leads to periodontitis, a chronic disease resulting in tooth loss, and is one of the most severe forms of gum disease. Many factors contribute to gingivitis becoming periodontitis, but smoking and diabetes are the most significant.¹ Periodontitis can also occur around dental implants and is referred to as peri-implantitis.

Signs and symptoms of gum disease include:⁵

• Gums pulling away from teeth or teeth appearing longer
• Swollen, puffy, and red gums (healthy gums are pink)
• Painful gums
• Bleeding when you brush your teeth
• Adult tooth loss or loose teeth
• Continual bad breath

Your hygienist and dentist will evaluate your gums and determine the stage of gum disease present. If gingivitis is present, regular cleanings every six months should suffice as long as oral hygiene is maintained. If periodontitis is present, your dentist may recommend a professional treatment called scaling and root planing, which involves removing plaque and tartar below the gumline. The process of scaling and root planning may require more than one appointment and more frequent hygiene appointments. However, you may be wondering does mouthwash help with gingivitis or periodontitis.

Can Mouthwashes Prevent or Treat Gum Disease?

One of the primary ways to prevent or improve gum disease is to create a better oral hygiene routine, including using mouthwash. Oral hygiene begins with proper tooth brushing using fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. You should brush twice daily for at least 2 minutes and always floss after brushing to remove any remaining plaque between the teeth. Colgate TotalSF is one of the best toothpastes for reducing plaque buildup, plaque-induced gingivitis, sensitivity, and stains. According to multiple studies, electric toothbrushes are more effective at removing plaque than manual toothbrushes.²

Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing. Using mouthwash in conjunction with toothbrushing can improve the health of your mouth overall. While mouthwash can help prevent and treat gum disease, it is only effective if you brush and floss twice a day. Choosing the right mouthwash depends on your individual needs and preferences. So, the answer to whether mouthwash is good for gums is yes!

Which Is the Best Mouthwash for Gum Disease?

Cosmetic and therapeutic mouthwashes are the two main types of mouthwash, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Cosmetic mouthwashes may assist with whitening teeth or masking bad breath (oral malodor). On the other hand, therapeutic mouthwashes are formulated to remove and prevent plaque buildup and are also called antibacterial mouthwash. If you have gum disease, you need an antibacterial mouthwash. In addition to over-the-counter antibacterial mouthwashes, prescription mouthwashes are also available.

Active mouthwash ingredients for periodontitis prevent plaque accumulation and can include fluoride, cetylpyridinium chloride, and chlorhexidine. Some mouthwashes also use hydrogen peroxide for whitening, and others use potassium nitrate to help sensitive teeth. However, the most effective mouthwash to combat plaque is chlorhexidine mouthwash, which is available only by prescription.⁶ Some clinical studies have shown that essential oils such as eucalyptus oil are just as effective at removing plaque as prescription mouthwashes.

Your local grocery store or pharmacy may have an overwhelming selection of oral care products and mouthwashes. It is best to avoid mouthwashes containing alcohol, as they can cause your mouth to become dry. Talk to your dentist about the best mouthwash for you.

Can I Prevent Gum Disease?

While certain health conditions may predispose someone to develop gum disease, most people can prevent gum disease by following these tips:

• Create a daily oral care routine
• Visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and exams
• Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco
• Consume sugar in moderation

To learn more about how Sarasota Dentistry can help you maintain excellent oral health, visit our site.

References

1. Gasner, N. S., & Schure, R. S. (2022). Periodontal Disease. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing.
2. Jain Y. A comparison of the efficacy of powered and manual toothbrushes in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a clinical study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent. 2013;5:3-9. Published 2013 Feb 27. doi:10.2147/CCIDE.S40656
3. Rajendiran M, Trivedi HM, Chen D, Gajendrareddy P, Chen L. Recent Development of Active Ingredients in Mouthwashes and Toothpastes for Periodontal Diseases. Molecules. 2021;26(7):2001. Published 2021 Apr 1. doi:10.3390/molecules26072001
4. Rathee, M., & Jain, P. (2022). Gingivitis. StatPearls. https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/22251
5. Torpy, J. M., Burke, A. E., & Glass, R. M. (2008). JAMA patient page. Periodontal disease. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 299(5), 598. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.299.5.598
6. Van der Weijden, F. A., Van der Sluijs, E., Ciancio, S. G., & Slot, D. E. (2015). Can chemical mouthwash agents achieve plaque/gingivitis control? Dental Clinics of North America, 59(4), 799–829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2015.06.002

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