How To Get Rid Of Gum Disease - A Guide To Antibiotic Gels

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection in the gums that sit above the teeth. It can cause gums to bleed, become swollen, sore or infected however, it isn’t always painful to start with.

Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque that has not been removed by brushing or flossing, and when left untreated, the plaque can harden under the gumline and turn into tartar, which is more difficult to remove and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing any more. Because the tartar is filled with bacteria, the longer it stays on the teeth, the more damage it can do.

The plaque can also cause gingivitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease, that causes irritation and swelling of the gum tissue. This can be reversed with the help of a dental professional, combined with a good at-home oral care routine (but only if there has been bone loss caused by the gingivitis). 

What does gum disease look like?

Gum disease can have some clear and distinct signs such as:

• Reddish or purplish gums.
• Bleeding.
• Soreness.
• Bad breath (halitosis).
• Unpleasant taste.
• Pain when chewing.
• Gum recession (gums that pull away from your teeth).
• Loose teeth.
• A change in the way your teeth fit together.

If gum disease is left untreated, it will eventually cause periodontitis, where deep pockets form between the gums and teeth. These pockets then fill with plaque, tartar and bacteria, which results in infections and loss of tissue or bone, ultimately leading to tooth loss.

Evidence also shows that gum disease is linked to several major health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. It’s very common, but it’s important to have it checked by a dental professional.

Most people will experience gum disease at least once in their life, and it is one of the main reasons that adults lose their teeth if left untreated, but the good news is, it is preventable!

What causes gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when plaque accumulates on your teeth. Plaque is a sticky, colourless to pale yellow biofilm of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that constantly forms on teeth, especially along the gum line.

When brushing and flossing is skipped or performed inadequately so the plaque isn't removed, it piles up and causes irritation to the gums. This irritation causes gums to become red, swollen, sore, and bleed.

Some things make you more likely to develop gum disease. These include:

• Smoking.
• Getting older.
• Diabetes.
• Crooked teeth.
• Genetics.
• Taking medications that make your mouth dry.
• Stress.
• Obesity.
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause.
• Health conditions that weaken your immune system such as cancer or HIV.

What can gum disease can lead to?

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to some unpleasant oral health issues such as:

• Bad breath and a bad taste in the mouth.
• Shrinking gums.
• Teeth becoming loose or falling out.

What is the difference between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both gum disease but in different stages. 

Gingivitis is the earliest and mildest stage of gum disease that develops when plaque builds up on teeth and makes the gums inflamed. Gingivitis is easily reversible as it has not yet spread to the jawbone. Getting rid of gingivitis usually just means brushing and flossing really well or a deep clean with a dental professional to clear away the plaque. 

Periodontitis is the advanced stage of gum disease where infection starts to damage the bone and tissues that support the teeth, leading to receding gums, deep pockets, and ultimately tooth loss. 

What are symptoms or signs of Gingivitis?

• Red gums.
• Puffy gums.
• Gums that bleed.
• Bad breath starting.

If gingivitis is left untreated, the inflammation can move deeper and affect the ligaments and bone supporting the teeth. This more serious stage is called periodontitis and causes the gums to start pulling away from the teeth, creating small gaps or pockets that trap plaque that a toothbrush can no longer reach.

As time goes on, this plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums more by collecting even more plaque. This cannot be brushed away and needs professional assistance in removal. Tartar build up can also sometimes cause an infection to develop in the gums and lead to pus buildup, forming a painful abscess. 

What are symptoms or signs of Periodontitis?

• Gums pulling back from teeth.
• Teeth feeling wobbly.
• Gaps forming between gums and teeth.
• Bad breath that won't go away.
• Sometimes pus.

How can I prevent gum disease?

To prevent gum disease you need to build a consistent, good oral hygiene routine that includes twice daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular visits to a dental professional for cleaning. It is worth noting that some people are more prone to gum disease due to genetics or other health conditions, so creating regular, daily oral care habits will go a long way in the prevention of gum disease! 

What are some daily habits I can do to prevent gum disease?

To prevent gum disease you can build a good oral hygiene routine including:

• Brush your teeth two to three times every day.
• Floss between your teeth daily.
• Use an antibacterial mouthwash like Wisdom 0.20% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco use.
• Visit a dental professional for regular cleanings and exams.

What products can I buy to help prevent gum disease?

There are lots of helpful products on the market that can aid in the prevention and treatment of gum disease like Wisdom Chlorhexidine Antibacterial Gum Gel, which is specially formulated to help kill plaque bacteria that can cause gum problems. Whilst products like PlakACT Gum Protection Gel with Chlorhexidine can help prevent bacterial deposits (plaque) on the surface of the teeth, keeping them in a healthy condition.

Gengigel Gel is used for the targeted healing and pain relief for localised areas of inflammation within the mouth and Curasept ADS Periodontal Gel: 350 - 0.50% protects and maintains health gums and protects against bacterial plaque

Antibacterial gels for gum disease

Antibacterial gels contain antiseptics and disinfectants that help reduce the bacteria found in the mouth that can cause gum disease. The antibacterial gels are combined with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and Chlorhexidine. 

How and when should chlorhexidine be used?

Chlorhexidine should be used in a number of oral health situations such as:

When periodontal disease has occurred:

In a situation of gingivitis or periodontitis, products with chlorhexidine are excellent to help maintain healthy gums. When gums have an infection caused by bacteria or fungi, chlorhexidine helps stop those germs from growing, which supports faster healing.

After periodontal surgery:

In order to limit the risk of complications, chlorhexidine is recommended after oral surgery such as tooth extraction, implant placement, or any operation that carries a high risk of infection.

Oral mucosal lesions

Chlorhexidine is a substance that helps wounds inside the mouth to heal quickly. For the treatment of some types of mouth sores or canker sores, the dentist may recommend rinsing with this type of antiseptic, preventing the formation of biofilm on the wounds.

How to get rid of gum disease?

Gum disease is treated depending on how severe it is. If you think you have gum disease it is important to see a dental professional at your earliest convenience. They will check teeth and gums and may take some x-rays in order to check the teeth and jawbone. They may also refer you to a specialist for further tests and/or treatment.

In the early stages of gum disease a dental professional will give you advice on how to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine to minimise the risk, advise you to stop smoking if you smoke and also recommend a professional clean at the dental clinic.

However, if your gum disease is serious, then you may need to have a deep cleaning under the gums, take antibiotics, have teeth removed or even undergo gum surgery.

Having a good at-home oral health routine can help reduce the risk of gum disease. There are a number of preventative measures that can be taken such as brushing and flossing daily.

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Toothbrushes

Using a soft-bristled manual or electric toothbrush will prevent over-brushing which can lead to further gum loss.

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Toothpaste

Using a fluoride toothpaste will help strengthen the enamel, which makes it more resistant to tooth decay and also reduces the amount of acid that the bacteria can produce on your teeth.

Brushing alone only removes 40-60% of plaque, so it is recommended that you also clean between the teeth by using floss or an interdental brush.

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Flossing

Flossing is a thin piece of string that allows the user to clean between the teeth and the flexibility of the string allows for more precise cleaning, reaching tight spaces that a toothbrush may not be able to.

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