Dr. Tariq Drabu discusses the Three Causes of Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious oral health condition which affects millions of adults around

the world. Many don’t even realise they have gum disease, until their routine dentist

appointment, where the dentist points it out.

There are two types of gum disease that everyone should know about. Gingivitis is

the least damaging and causes swelling, redness and discomfort. This disease is

easily treated and combines professional cleaning with a good home oral health care

routine. Periodontal disease is a severe gum disease, often caused when gingivitis is

ignored. With periodontal disease the gum pulls away from the tooth, forming

pockets which house dangerous bacteria. The bacteria cause significant damage to

the tooth and support structure and if left untreated, it can result in tooth loss.

There are three main causes of gum disease that everyone should be aware of,

according to leading dentist and specialist oral surgeon, Dr Tariq Drabu. Causes

combined with symptoms should be noted, enabling patients to identify if they have a

problem and seek immediate dental help to treat the disease and put a preventative

measure in place.

The first cause of gum disease is certain medications. Some medications, especially

over the counter medications can cause saliva in the mouth to reduce. Saliva is

essential to keep the teeth and gums health. Saliva is alkaline and controls the

bacteria in the mouth. One of the most common medications that reduce saliva is

cold medications. Patients need to be careful when taking medications, ensuring

they drink plenty of water and keep themselves and their mouths hydrated at all

times to reduce the risk of bacteria in the mouth, which can cause discomfort, gum

disease and tooth decay moving forward.

The next cause of gum disease in adults and children around the world is infection.

Infections such as herpes and oral thrush can be a leading cause of gum disease. It

is imperative if you have an infection to discuss it openly with your dentist, ensuring

they can provide you with the treatment, prevention and education you need to

reduce the risk of gum disease.

Tariq Drabu also mentioned that nutrition plays a role in gum disease. Diet is a

leading cause of gum disease. While many people are trying to eat healthier and a

more well-balanced diet, lacking certain vitamins and calcium can have a negative

effect on oral health. Patients who enjoy sugary foods and drinks or foods high in

acidity are damaging their oral health. It is essential your diet includes vitamin C and

B, along with plenty of calcium, which can be found in milk and yoghurts.

Treatment is available for both types of gum disease, which is the good news.

Gingivitis is much easier to treat and usually includes a professional clean at the

dental surgery followed by a strict dental hygiene routine at home, which is brushing

and flossing.

Periodontal disease is a little harder to treat and sometimes requires a more

aggressive treatment plan, which may include antibiotics to fight the infection or even

surgery, in very extreme cases.

According to Dr Tariq Drabu, certain patients are at higher risk of gum disease.

These include those with crowns, bridges and dentures. Dentists should be

discussing gum disease with their patients, ensuring they are aware of the signs and

symptoms and the treatment options.

To prevent gum disease everyone should be brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice

a day. It is important to brush just before going to bed. Flossing is also important and

if you think you may have gum disease, and then floss twice daily. The final step in

the prevention of gum disease is to keep the routine appointments with your dentist,

enabling them to identify any problems early on and put a treatment plan in place.