Preventing Gum Disease: The Basics
Most people would say they do not have periodontal disease, but 76% of those over 36 have symptoms of it. In an age when cavities are almost a thing of the past, periodontal disease persists. It is not usually painful in itself, but it is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Several recent studies have even suggested a link between gum disease and heart disease and stroke. This is still under investigation, but it may be the bacteria that cause gum disease can enter the bloodstream and promote blood clots or damage the heart muscle or other vessels. And it’s now known that if a woman develops severe periodontal disease during pregnancy, she is more likely to give birth to a low birth-weight infant.
But periodontal disease is preventable and can be successfully treated. The most important factor, is you, and how you take care of your teeth. From the point of view of your teeth, your appearance, and your general health, it’s worth being informed about gum disease and taking steps to prevent it.
Periodontal Disease
What is periodontal disease? What causes it?
"Periodontal" means "around the tooth". Periodontal disease, or periodontitis (also called pyorrhea), is caused by an acid generated by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria live in a thin, sticky film, known as plaque, that coats the surfaces of teeth and the tongue, and they respond to carbohydrates in foods. Plaque eventually hardens into tartar around the gum line, a hard mineral shell that erodes healthy gum tissue. Gingivitis is the first stage of the disease. In advanced gum disease, gums recede and pockets form below the gum line, where millions of bacteria move in. Supporting bone may erode, which may lead to tooth loss. However, this is not inevitable.
Who Gets Gum Disease?
Everyone is susceptible to gum disease, but some people have factors that make them more likely to have gum disease than others. These are:
Plaque and tartar - some people actually develop plaque and tartar more easily than others. As a consequence they tend to have more gum disease.
Heredity - we all inherit a degree of resistance, some people are very resistant to gum disease, plaque, and tartar, and others are not.
Medications - some medications reduce saliva, leaving a dry mouth. Without the cleansing and antibiotic effect of saliva, plaque and calculus can build up more easily. Alcohol may also decrease saliva.
Smoking - smoking slows the gum’s ability to heal. Smoking causes a decrease in blood supply to the gum and therefore its healing potential is diminished, so the bacteria can do more damage.
Pregnancy - hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, make the gum more susceptible to the damaging effects of plaque. Also, because of the hormonal changes, plaque grows easier during pregnancy.
Illness - during illness there is usually a decrease or weakening of the immune system, one is more prone to infection, which can lead to gum disease.
Stress - stress has been known to change both the blood flow and the hormonal balance in the gum tissue. These changes make the gum more susceptible to periodontal breakdown. The bone loss, and loss of ligament and tissue that occurs subsequently can lead to destruction even when the person is trying diligently to take very good care of themselves.
Your bite - your bite can cause micro-movement in the teeth, causing an increased susceptibility to bacteria and tartar getting in the gap between the gum and the tooth, Grinding or clenching your teeth can actually increase the gap around your teeth allowing bacteria to enter the space. This can accelerate the pocket formation.
What symptoms should I watch for?
The first signs of gum disease are gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, and red, swollen gums. This usually indicates gingivitis. If the condition worsens, you may develop chronic bad breath and more bleeding. With severe periodontal disease, teeth may loosen, and you may notice gums pulling away from teeth. Your bite may change, and if you have partial dentures they may no longer fit. But you should not wait for such symptoms to develop. Regular dental visits - ideally every six months - should catch periodontal symptoms early.
Does everybody get periodontal disease?
Some people never do, even though they do not take care of their teeth and never see a dentist. But it’s not worth gambling on being one of those lucky people. About one-third of the population is thought to have a genetic susceptibility to gum disease, and there’s now a test to detect this. But even if your test is negative, you can still develop gum disease and still need to take the same care of your teeth.
Aside from poor dental hygiene and genetics, what promotes gum disease?
One of the major risk factors is smoking. The chemicals in tobacco smoke and chewing tobacco have harmful effects on the gums and teeth. A poor diet is also a factor; especially a diet high is sugars and other sticky or gummy carbohydrates (as in dried fruit or potato chips). Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can also affect your gums adversely. Oral contraceptives may increase a susceptibility to gum disease. During puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, women may find themselves more prone to gingivitis. Constant emotional and psychological stress may wear down your ability to fight infection, or may simply promote poor eating habits or cause you to neglect dental hygiene. Because saliva helps wash away foods as well as bacterial toxins, anything that decreases saliva production (certain medications, breathing through your mouth at night) can make gum disease worse. Diabetes, AIDS, and other chronic diseases lower resistance to infection and can also play a role; the chronically ill need to be particularly careful about dental care.
You’ll find a huge range of gizmos and appliances for sale to help you with home dental care. If any of these appeal to you, or solve specific problems, or if you have been advised by your dentist to purchase and use any of these items, they are fine. Before using rubber tips and stimulators, or any item that poses a risk of gum injury if improperly used, it’s a good idea to speak with us for instructions. But none of these things can substitute for toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and elbow grease (effort) - and regular dental care.