Gum Disease
Gum Disease
What is gum disease?
Gum disease, or to give it the correct name of periodontal disease, is a serious gum infection that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal means ‘around the tooth’ and refers to the supporting gum and bone around the teeth. There are two forms of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis.
The milder form of gum disease is gingivitis. It starts when bacteria in the plaque causes inflammation of the gum. The gum becomes red and swollen and bleeds easily. At this stage there may be little or no discomfort and with good oral care and professional treatment, is reversible. If left untreated gingivitis may advance to the more chronic state of periodontitis.
If the early stages of periodontal disease, gingivitis, is left unchecked the bacteria in the plaque will cause the inner layer of gum and bone to pull away from the teeth. This is the beginning stage of periodontitis and as the gum and bone separates from the tooth, small pockets are formed.
These pockets collect debris that has entered the mouth and become infected. Enzymes in the body’s immune system will fight the toxins caused by the bacteria as it spreads below the gum line. The infection will break down the bone and gum tissue that is holding the teeth in place.
The pockets around the teeth become deeper as the disease progresses and more tissue and bone become destroyed. Eventually there is nothing left to hold the teeth in place, they loosen and finally tooth loss occurs. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Periodontitis occurs in several forms.
- Aggressive Periodontitis may occur in individuals who are otherwise healthy. The most common features of aggressive Periodontitis include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction.
- Chronic Periodontitis will result in the supporting tissue around the teeth becoming inflamed and a progressive loss of bone and tissue attachment. Loss of attachment is usually slow but there may be periods of rapid progression.
- Necrotizing periodontal disease is characterized by dying gingival tissue and periodontal ligament as well as necrosis of the alveolar bone. This is most commonly observed in those suffering from systemic conditions including malnutrition, immunosuppression and HIV infection.
Periodontitis may also be caused by other systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease.
What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Periodontal disease in the form of gingivitis is often silent which means they do not appear until it has advanced to Periodontitis. There are signs that will warn you of potential periodontal disease.
Watch for these signs;
- Redness, swelling or tenderness of the gums or any other pain
- Bleeding of the gums during brushing and flossing or while eating hard food
- Receding gums which causes the teeth to look longer than they did before
- Loose teeth
- Pus between teeth and gums
- A change in how your teeth fit together
What causes gum disease?
The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque. Bacterial plaque is a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. There are other factors that cause gum disease.
Nicotine, as well as being linked to many other illnesses, is a significant risk factor in the development and progression of gum disease.
According to research, as much as 30% of the population could be susceptible to gum disease because of their genetics. No matter how careful they are with their oral hygiene, this percentage of the population is 6 times more likely to develop gum disease. These people can be helped through genetic testing and early interceptive treatment.
As a woman’s body changes at different times in her life including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause, the hormonal changes can affect the tissues in the bodies, including the gums. During these times of hormonal fluctuation, they are more susceptible to gum disease.
Recent studies suggest that women who are suffering from gum disease during pregnancy are seven times more likely to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.
Stress, as well as being linked to numerous health risks such as hypertension and cancer, is a factor in periodontal disease. This is because the body finds it more difficult to fight infection when under stress.
A sign of stress is to clench or grind ones teeth especially when trying to solve a problem. Clenching or grinding the teeth puts undue strain on the supportive tissue and bone which can speed up the process of periodontal tissue loss.
A good oral hygiene regimen and regular dental checkups are a sure way to combat gum disease.
Redwood City CA 94065
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