Early Signs of Gum Disease
A condition called gingivitis is the first sign of gum disease. The good news is that it can easily be prevented, treated and reversed if caught early enough. Regular brushing and flossing along with professional teeth cleanings to remove tartar are the first steps in preventing and treating early gum disease.
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Identification
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Gingivitis, or gum inflammation and irritation, is marked by red, puffy gums that bleed easily, often after brushing or flossing. Bad breath is another symptom, as are gums that are just beginning to separate from teeth.
Time Frame
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Gum disease begins with a sticky buildup on teeth called plaque, which can start forming within four hours after brushing. If the plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing, it begins to harden and eventually calcifies into tartar. Tartar produces toxins that cause chronic gum inflammation, which can lead to periodontal disease.
In periodontitis, the bones and connective tissue supporting the teeth become damaged; this condition can cause loose teeth. In fact, the United States Food and Drug Administration lists gum disease as the major cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal disease has even been indicated as a risk factor in cardiovascular disease.
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Prevention/Solution
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Flossing is the most important preventive measure against gum disease, because brushing cannot reach everywhere that flossing can. People should floss their teeth at least once a day to remove food residue and plaque. Once plaque turns into tartar, a dentist or hygienist must remove it. Another good plaque remover is a rotation oscillation electric toothbrush, like the ones dentists use. This is the only brush that can reach under the gum line where bacteria hide and a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
Features
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Preventive measures against gingivitis are most beneficial, but if gum disease is caught in its early stages, a number of remedies are available to reverse it. The one FDA-approved, over-the-counter remedy is the toothpaste Colgate Total, which contains the antibacterial agent triclosan.
Along with professional dental cleaning and advice on treating early signs of gum disease, natural home remedies are worth a try before advancing to prescription ones. Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps repair connective fibers and regenerate bones, and Vitamin D, an anti-inflammatory agent, have shown some results in treating gingivitis when taken in conjunction with a regular brushing and flossing regimen. Vitamin C can be obtained by eating plenty of fruit and also by taking supplements (nonchewable ones are better because vitamin C is acidic). Vitamin D can be obtained simply by spending 10 or 15 minutes in sunshine twice a week.
Types
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Several FDA-approved topical prescription treatments for reversing early gum disease are available from dentists. Antimicrobial treatments include a mouth rinse and a gelatin chip containing chlorhexidine. Antibiotics include a gel containing doxycycline, thin fibers with tetracycline, and tiny round particles containing minocycline. A low-dose pill form of doxycycline is also available and inhibits destructive enzyme growth.
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