Gum Problems: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes

Gum problems are infections that injure the soft tissue and bone sustaining the teeth, generated by inadequate brushing and flossing habits that permit plaque to build up on the teeth and harden. Understanding the symptoms, treatment, and causes of gum problems is vital for prevention and remedy. Interpreting functional therapies, such as scaling and root planing, antibiotics, or surgery, allows a person to make informed vital decisions. Early detection and treatment help save money by avoiding extensive dental procedures. Knowledge of gum disease prevents difficulties, maintains oral health, and enhances their well-being.

Gum problems manifest as reddish or purplish gums, bleeding gums, soreness, bad breath, unpleasant taste, painful chewing, and loose teeth. Reddish gums damage soft tissue and bone-supporting teeth, while bleeding gums cause inflammation and tooth loss. Poor oral hygiene leads to gum soreness, and various medical conditions cause bad breath. Hardened plaque causes loose teeth, and deteriorating periodontal tissues make chewing painful. Treatment options include scaling, root planning, medications, and dental appliances.

Gum problems are treated with dental prophylaxis, scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapy, laser periodontal therapy, pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, gum grafting, and guided tissue regeneration. Dental prophylaxis involves cleansing teeth and gums to remove plaque and bacteria, while scaling and root planing terminate plaque and tartar. Antibiotic therapy helps control bacterial infections. Laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery, while pocket reduction surgery reduces pockets around teeth. Bone grafting restores lost jaw tissue, and gum grafting treats thinning gums.

Oral bacteria, poor hygiene, stress, heart disease, hormonal changes, and smoking cause gum problems. Oral bacteria cause tartar accumulation, leading to inflammation and loss of gum attachment. Poor oral hygiene, stress, heart disease, hormonal changes, and smoking contribute to gum problems. Quitting smoking and maintaining good oral hygiene reduce gum disease risk and improve oral health.

Gum problems impact the gums and harm the supporting tissues of teeth, whereas periodontitis is a gum disease that destroys the tooth support structures. Causes include poor oral care, diabetes, medications, diet, bacteria, smoking, and psychological stress. Factors such as smoking, diabetes, genetics, and family history increase the risk. Treatments vary depending on the stage of the disease and health. Gum problems are reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional treatments. Periodontitis, an advanced stage, requires intensive treatment and leads to tooth loss if left untreated.

Researchers, including Dr. Jeffrey McLean and Dr. George Kotsakis, have identified and classified how people react to dental plaque accumulation. A sticky biofilm on teeth has found a range of inflammatory responses to bacterial accumulation in the mouth. Understanding variations in gum inflammation helps identify people at elevated risk of periodontitis and is related to susceptibility to other chronic bacterial-associated inflammatory conditions. A recent study by Jonathan An, DDS, PhD, demonstrated that an FDA-approved drug targeting an ageing-related track decreased periodontal illness in elderly mice.

What are the Types of Gum Problems?

The types of gum problems are listed below.

Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a benign form of gum infection that results from bacterial infections and causes inflammation at the base of the teeth. Symptoms include red or purple gums, bleeds during brushing, foul-smelling breath, pain, swelling, receding gums, loose teeth, and toothache. Poor oral hygiene is the cause and gingivitis’ risk factors include hormonal changes, smoking, family history, medications, illnesses, ageing, and viral and fungal infections. Preventative measures include brushing and flossing twice daily, using fluoride toothpaste, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular dental visits.
Periodontitis: Periodontitis is a gum infection that damages soft tissue around teeth and destroys the bone that supports them. Symptoms include swollen or puffy gums, tender gums, bleeding easily, bad breath, pus between teeth and gums, loose teeth, painful chewing, new spaces between teeth, and changes in tooth fit. It is caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to cling to plaque and tartar on tooth surfaces. The other risk factors include smoking, diabetes, genetics, family history, hormonal changes, and hormonal changes in women. Periodontitis leads to tooth loss and damage to the bone that supports teeth if left untreated.
Gum Recession: Gum recession is an adult gum problem in which the tooth's root becomes exposed as the gum line pulls away from its original attachment. Gum disease, teeth grinding, tobacco use, vigorous brushing, hereditary weak gums, orthodontic treatment, or trauma cause gum recession. Symptoms include pain, sensitivity to heat, cold, and sweets, sensitivity during dental cleanings, tooth root exposure, and teeth appearing longer than usual. Causes include brushing too hard, dental plaque buildup, periodontal disease, trauma, abnormal tooth positioning, smoking, chewing tobacco, and lip and tongue piercings. Preventing gum recession involves proper oral hygiene, brushing and flossing twice daily, using fluoride-containing toothpaste, maintaining a balanced diet, and regular dental visits.
Gum Abscess: Gum abscess, or periodontal abscess, is a painful condition resulting from a bacterial infection on the gums. It causes persistent pain, swelling, redness, sensitivity to heat or cold, chewing discomfort, loose teeth, bad taste, pus discharge, and fever. Causes include poor oral hygiene, periodontitis disease, deep periodontal pockets, and a weaker immune system. Gum abscesses lead to complications such as bone loss, tooth mobility, or even tooth loss once left untreated.
Oral Cancer: Oral cancer, including gum cancer, is a health condition that forms when gum cells grow out of control, forming lesions or tumours. It appears as a red or white mass or a sore that stays injured. Gum cancer differs from gingivitis and periodontitis, which are unfamiliar gum problems. Gum cancer is advanced and lead to other dental and jawbone issues if left untreated. Risk factors for gum disease and gum cancer include smoking and chewing tobacco, but poor dental hygiene contributes. Early detection and treatment improve the prognosis for oral cancers.

What are the Symptoms of Gum Problems?

The symptoms of gum problems are listed below.

Reddish or purplish gums: Reddish or purplish gums are infections that damage the soft tissue and bone-supporting teeth. Symptoms include red, swollen, tender, bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose, sensitive teeth, receiving gums, and bad breath. Causes include bacteria in dental plaque, which causes inflammation and damage. Untreated periodontitis or reddish or purplish gums lead to tooth loss and affect other body parts. Prevention includes professional dental cleaning, daily brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouth rinses.
Bleeding: Bleeding gums are a sign of gum problems, including gingivitis and periodontitis, caused by the buildup of dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. Causes include smoking, diabetes, hormone changes, vitamin K and C deficiency, blood-thinning medications, oral herpes, HIV/AIDS, stress, and leukaemia. Persistent bleeding gums for over two weeks warrant scheduling a dental appointment to determine the cause. Ignoring bleeding gums leads to worsening conditions if caused by gum disease. Inflamed gums cause blood clots, leading to heart attacks or strokes. A dentist must perform an exam to determine the severity of the bleeding.
Soreness: Gum soreness is a symptom of gum problems caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, rough brushing and flossing, hormonal changes, tooth abscesses, and food allergies. Scheduling a dentist appointment to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment to alleviate soreness. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and using antibacterial mouthwash helps.
Bad Breath: Bad breath, or halitosis, is a symptom of gum problems caused by food breakdown, tobacco use, poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, medications, mouth infections, and other health conditions. Identifying the cause is the first step toward treating halitosis.
Unpleasant Taste: An unpleasant taste in the mouth is a symptom of gum problems caused by bacteria and plaque buildup around the gumline. It leads to an infection of the gums, causing inflammation and symptoms such as bleeding gums, bad breath, and a persistent sour taste. Symptoms include swollen, tender, or puffy gums, bleeding easily, bad breath, pus between teeth and gums, loss of teeth, new spaces between teeth, and gums pulling away from teeth. Impaired taste is caused by various health conditions, such as certain infections, nutritional deficiencies, medications, smoking, and gum inflammation.
Painful chewing: Painful chewing is an infection that damages the soft tissue and bone-supporting teeth. Bacteria cause an inflammatory reaction, leading to the deterioration of periodontal tissues and making chewing painful. The deteriorating periodontal tissues fail to support the teeth, causing them to become loose. Treatment for periodontal disease includes professional cleaning, medication, and surgical procedures.
Loose Teeth: Loose teeth are a sign of gum problems. Infection causes an inflammatory reaction, leading to the deterioration of periodontal tissues and tooth loss. Hardened plaque is to blame because it causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving gaps that become infected. Treatment options include scaling and root planing, medications, surgery, bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, and dental appliances.

What are the Causes Gum Problems?

The causes of gum problems are listed below.

Oral Bacteria: A healthy mouth is home to a diverse community of beneficial oral bacteria. Dental plaque forms on teeth and gums, leading to tartar, a hardened deposit that is unremovable. The tartar accumulation causes inflammation in the gums, leading to loss of gum attachment and deterioration of the jawbone. Oral bacteria play a significant role in gum problems, which damage the soft tissue and bone supporting the tooth. Poor oral hygiene leads to oral bacteria issues.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Poor oral hygiene causes gum problems, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Plaque build-up on teeth and gum lines hardens into tartar, leading to gingivitis, characterised by red, swollen, and inflamed gums.
Stress: Stress increases inflammation, weakens the immune system, and reduces the ability to fight bacteria. Chronic stress affects the oral microbiome, altering plaque bacteria's gene expression and increasing mouth inflammation. Neglecting dental care, consuming refined carbohydrates, and smoking contribute to plaque accumulation and periodontal issues.
Heart Disease: Periodontal disease, an advanced form of gum disease, has been linked to heart disease, coronary artery disease, and atherosclerosis. The bacteria responsible for periodontal disease travel to blood vessels throughout the body, causing damage at sites distant from the mouth and triggering an immune response. It leads to arterial plaque formation within the arteries and valves in the heart. Oral bacteria activate platelets by secreting products or binding them directly, leading to localised thrombus formation and the formation of atherosclerosis.
Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes, such as fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone, contribute to gum problems. Estrogen and progesterone increase blood flow to the gums, making them more sensitive and prone to inflammation. The heightened sensitivity makes plaque irritating the gums easier, leading to gingivitis. Hormones affect how the body responds to toxins that result from plaque buildup, making people susceptible to swollen or bleeding gums. Hormonal changes cause dental symptoms at other points in a woman's life, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and the use of birth control pills.
Smoking: Quitting smoking is meaningful for health, including oral health. Long-term use of tobacco products leads to health problems, including cancer and heart and lung diseases. Smoking affects gum health by reducing blood flow to the gums, weakening the immune system, increasing the risk of gum disease, and causing treatment complications. Smoking masks the symptoms of gum disease, making it difficult for the body to respond to treatment. Quitting smoking and maintaining good oral hygiene reduces the risk of gum disease and improves oral health.

What are the Treatments of Gum Problems?

The treatments for gum problems are listed below.

Dental Prophylaxis: Dental prophylaxis is a preventative dental treatment that involves cleaning teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup. It includes an examination, cleaning, polishing, fluoride treatment, and X-rays. The procedure protects teeth and gums from gum disease, which leads to gingivitis and periodontitis. The effectiveness of prophylaxis services depends on the frequency of each procedure. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are recommended to maintain good oral health.
Scaling and Root Planing: Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from root surfaces beneath the gum line. The dentist uses local anaesthesia to numb the area and smooth away rough spots on the tooth roots to prevent bacteria and plaque from reattaching. Scaling and root planing effectively treat gum disease before it becomes severe, preventing tissue damage and bone and tooth loss.
Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotic therapy involves a dentist prescribing antibiotics, administering them as directed, and following a post-treatment checkup. Antibiotics control bacterial infections and are used as topical, oral, or combined with non-surgical treatments, including scaling and root planing.
Laser Periodontal Therapy: Laser periodontal therapy is a dental procedure that uses laser technology to treat periodontal disease. It involves accessing and removing inflamed gum tissue, cleaning and smoothing rough spots, and a post-procedure checkup. Laser periodontal therapy is a minimally invasive and effective alternative to traditional gum surgery. It is less invasive, resulting in less discomfort and faster healing, stimulating new tissue growth, removing bacteria and tartar, and improving gum appearance.
Pocket Reduction Surgery: Pocket reduction surgery is a standard treatment for gum disease that aims to reduce pockets around teeth to prevent plaque and bacteria from hiding. Periodontists use the procedure to treat moderate to severe periodontitis, which destroys the bone and tissues that support teeth. Pocket reduction surgery begins with flap surgery, where the gum is separated from the tooth and reattached in a new position.
Bone Grafting: Bone grafting is a surgical procedure that restores lost or damaged jaw tissue caused by gum disease. It helps prevent tooth loss by holding the tooth in place and serving as a platform for the regrowth of natural bone. Dental bone grafts are needed if further procedures, such as dental implants, are necessary or if bone loss affects nearby gums and teeth.
Gum Grafting: Gum grafting is a dental procedure used to treat thinning gums or gum recession, which occurs when the gums pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots underneath. It increases the risk of tooth decay, sensitivity, and bone loss around teeth. A periodontist performs the procedure, and recovery takes one to two weeks or longer.
Guided Tissue Regeneration: Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) is a dental procedure that encourages the growth of new bone and gum tissue in areas destroyed by periodontal disease. It involves placing a biocompatible membrane between the bone and overlying gum tissue as a barrier to prevent faster-growing gum tissue from filling the area where the bone is regenerating. GTR is used with other periodontal procedures to enhance the outcome, notably in cases of severe gum disease. The procedure involves surgery on gum and bone, separating tissues, maintaining good oral hygiene, and regular dental care visits.

Can Gum Problems Be Treated At Home?

No, gum problems cannot be treated at home. Gum problems are serious conditions, such as periodontal disease, that lead to tooth loss if not treated properly. Dentists are able to accurately diagnose the conditions using tools and techniques not available at home. Deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup under the gum line, which home brushing and flossing is unable to reach. Advanced treatments such as scaling and root planing, gum graft surgery, or dental implants are required in severe cases that are unavailable to be performed at home.

Dentists prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat gum infections. Regular dental check-ups help manage minor gum issues. Gingivitis and periodontitis require professional dental care, which includes thorough cleaning procedures, antibiotics, or surgical interventions. Home remedies temporarily alleviate symptoms but do not address the underlying causes or halt the progression of the disease, making professional dental care essential for effective treatment.

What are the Researches about Gum Problems?

The research on gum problems is about how people react to dental plaque collection and periodontitis being reversed. Researchers, including Dr. Jeffrey McLean and Dr. George Kotsakis, have recognized and classified how individuals respond to dental plaque collection, a sticky biofilm that assembles on teeth. Their work sheds new light on why some people are prone to severe conditions that lead to tooth loss and other problems. The researchers found a previously unidentified range of inflammatory responses to bacterial accumulation in the mouth.

The study revealed for the first time that subjects with low clinical responses demonstrated a low inflammatory response to various inflammation signals. Understanding the variations in gum inflammation helps to identify people at elevated risk of periodontitis better and is related to the susceptibility to other chronic bacterial-associated inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

An FDA-approved medication that targets an ageing-related pathway reduced periodontal disease in elderly mice, according to a recent study by Jonathan An, DDS, PhD, at the University of Washington in Seattle. The findings point to a powerful new target for enhancing the oral health of older adults. Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, the director of the University of Washington's Healthy Aging and Longevity Research Institute, proposed that periodontitis shares ageing-related biology with underlying conditions, including Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes.

What are the Differences Between Gum Problems and Periodontitis?

The differences between gum problems and periodontitis are that gum problems affect the gums and damage the teeth’s supporting structures, while periodontitis is a gum disease that destroys tooth support structures.

Gum problems are caused by poor oral care, diabetes, certain medications, a poor diet, bacteria from shared utensils, smoking, and psychological stress. Other causes include foreign bodies affecting the gums, poorly contoured dental work, and sensitivity to material in dental work. Factors that increase the risk of gum problems include poor oral care habits, smoking, older age, dry mouth, and poor nutrition. Poor oral hygiene is the root cause of periodontitis because bacteria cling to plaque and tartar on tooth surfaces, resulting in infection, bone loss, and tooth loss. Factors such as smoking, diabetes, genetics, and family history can also increase the risk of gum disease.

Treatments for gum problems vary depending on the stage of the disease, response to earlier treatments, and overall health. Nonsurgical treatments include scaling, root planing, and antibiotics. Gum problems are early gum disease stages reversed with proper oral hygiene and professional treatments. Periodontitis, or gum disease, starts by inflaming soft tissues around teeth and eroding the bone support. It is an advanced stage that requires intensive treatment and leads to tooth loss if left untreated. Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the person’s health. Less invasive procedures involve scaling, root planing, and antibiotics.

Gum problems and periodontitis are periodontal diseases affecting the gums and surrounding teeth, caused by bacterial buildup due to poor oral hygiene, leading to plaque formation. Gingivitis and periodontitis involve inflammation of the gums, with the same symptoms including red, swollen gums and bleeding.

Dentist Dr. Dt. Erdem CETIN

He started his professional career in a private practice in Antalya in 2005 and served there until 2012. Between 2012 and 2016, he continued his work as a partner at the institution named KlinikAntalya. In 2016, he founded Myra Dental Centre Turkey and continues his professional activities there. Additionally, he has strengthened his expertise in the field with his membership in the International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI).