7 Facts About Gum Disease to Know for Better Oral Health

Do you experience bleeding gums from time to time? Notice bad breath issues that aren't improving? Have swollen gums? These are some signs you might have gum disease or periodontal disease. Unfortunately, you're in good company.

More than 40% of adults aged 30 years and older in the U.S. have some form of periodontal disease.¹ Gum disease starts when bacteria build up on teeth and form plaque,² leading to early-stage gum disease, also known as gingivitis.³ When you don't treat gingivitis, it can lead to full-blown periodontal disease.³

Below, we'll dive into seven important facts about gum disease and how to take better care of your teeth and gums.

1. Gum Disease Isn't Just a Problem for Older People

While periodontitis tends to have higher incidences in an older population, it can impact anyone who isn't taking good care of their oral health. In general, gum disease tends to be uncommon in people under age 30.¹ That being said, if you don't have a good brushing and flossing routine in your 20s and 30s, you could cause serious damage to your gums and jawbones (maxilla and mandible).²

Some people's DNA makes them more prone to developing periodontitis than others. If your biological parents or grandparents have a history of gum disease, you're more likely to develop it as well.²

2. Vigorous Brushing Won't Keep Gum Disease at Bay

If you think it's simply a matter of scrubbing your teeth harder to prevent gum disease, put that toothbrush down! The wrong brushing techniques and too much pressure while you brush could be doing more harm than good.

Brushing too hard can cause receding gum tissue and wear away at tooth enamel. You should be using a soft-bristled toothbrush and holding it at a 45-degree angle while using short strokes. Holding the brush in your nondominant hand can help you exert less pressure as you brush.⁵

Gum recession is also a sign of gum disease. When your gums are receding and the root is exposed, it's easier for bacteria to get under the gums.⁴

Read Related: Electric vs. Manual ToothBrush: Which Should You Use?

3. Gum Disease Impacts More Than Your Mouth

Gum disease is a serious health issue. Inflammation in the gums is linked to a higher incidence of heart disease, diabetes, irritable bowel disease and mental health implications. The immune system reacts to the inflammation in the mouth by letting the rest of the body know something is wrong and to go on high alert. Those white blood cells travel all over the body in the bloodstream and impact other systems in the body.⁵ Some associations between gum disease and other health issues include:

• Heart health. People who have gum disease are at a two to three times higher risk for a heart attack, stroke or other cardiovascular event.⁶
• Diabetes. When your diabetes isn't controlled well, it can lead to higher blood sugar in the mouth, which can promote bacteria growth that leads to gum disease. It's very common in people with diabetes and can happen at any age.⁷
• Cancer. Some research has found that men with periodontal disease were more likely to develop certain cancers, such as kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer and blood cancers.⁸

Proactive gum care with good oral hygiene is imperative for maintaining better oral — and overall — health.

4. Flossing Is a Great Way to Help With Gum Disease

You pat yourself on the back for brushing twice a day and using an antibacterial mouthwash, but do you floss daily? If not, you might not be removing all of the bacteria that build up and can contribute to gum disease.

Dental plaque builds up between the teeth, and a toothbrush alone can only reach about 60% of the tooth's surface. Use floss, an interdental brush or a water flosser to clean better and keep gum disease at bay.⁹

If you aren't used to cleaning between your teeth, you might first notice some soreness and gum bleeding. If that doesn't go away after a few days, call your dentist for a checkup to see if you have periodontal disease.⁹

5. Use Mouthwash as a Tool in Your Deep-Cleaning Toolbox

You can't simply rinse your way to a cleaner mouth. While using an antibacterial mouthwash is an important part of oral hygiene, you need to use it in addition to brushing your teeth and flossing.¹⁰

Mouthwash should be used to help clear out bacteria and food particles and rinse the mouth clean after you've completed the flossing and brushing part of your routine.¹⁰ Swishing it around in your mouth for at least a minute can help reach the deeper areas of the mouth you aren't able to get through brushing alone.

6. You Still Need to Visit Your Dentist for Regular Cleanings

Don't assume that because you have a thorough oral hygiene routine, you're in the clear with gum disease. It's important to see your dentist every six months for regular, professional dental cleanings to get a better sense of your oral health, gum disease risk and overall assessment of your mouth.⁵

Visit your dentist for regular cleanings in addition to brushing, flossing and using antibacterial mouthwash. Avoiding smoking is one of the most important things you can do to help prevent gum disease, too.⁴

7. You Could Have Silent Symptoms of Gum Disease

By now you're probably aware that some gum disease symptoms are bleeding gums,⁷ gum pain,⁴ swollen gums,⁷ receding gums⁷ and tooth sensitivity.⁴ But, you might not notice these periodontal disease symptoms or have others you aren't aware of that are associated with gum disease.

That's why it's so important to see your dentist regularly and to bring up any concerns or changes you notice when it comes to your mouth, teeth, pains and sensitivities. Early warning signs are:⁵

• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Pain when chewing
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth
• Changes in your bite

Prevention Is the Best Way to Fight Gum Disease

Now that you're inspired to spend a few more minutes on your oral care routine each day — at least twice a day — you can do your part to help reduce gum disease.

But know that other factors like age, genetics and your previous brushing and dental care practices play their part. Do what you can to take your gum health seriously. And if you haven't seen your dentist in over six months, make an appointment today!

Dental Financing With the CareCredit Credit Card

Regular dental checkups are important to help prevent, identify and treat dental problems before they become more advanced. The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for dental exams, cosmetic dental procedures and other costs that insurance doesn’t cover — to help you keep your pearly whites bright and healthy.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist near you that accepts CareCredit. Make the most of your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App. You can find a provider on the go, manage your CareCredit account and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Diana Kelly Levey is a freelance journalist, content marketing writer and author with more than 15 years of experience covering health and wellness.