Part I: What is Gum Disease
Infections of the mouth often go untreated because they are not noticed. Like any infection, if not treated may lead to more serious conditions.
What is Periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is gum disease. The word periodontal literally means "around the tooth." Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. The common symptoms include:
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating is a common symptom of gum disease
- Gum recession, which results in teeth looking longer is a symptom of gum disease
- Loose teeth and shifting tooth positions where teeth no longer touch its neighbor are symptoms of severe gum disease.
Is gingivitis gum disease?
There are many gum diseases including gingivitis. It is the mildest form of gum disease. The symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care. However, untreated gingivitis can advance to chronic gum disease.
What causes gum disease?
With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
Part II: The Connection Between Oral Health & Overall Health
Does gum disease threaten your health?
Yes. Infections in the mouth can play havoc elsewhere in the body. Since July of 1998, evidence has continued to mount to support these links. While more research needs to be done to say definitively that people with periodontal disease are at higher risk for developing heart disease, stroke, uncontrolled diabetes, preterm births and respiratory disease, we do know that periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, and all infections are cause for concern. Periodontal bacteria can enter the blood stream and travel to major organs and begin new infections.
Research is suggesting that this may:
- Contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death.
- Increase the risk of stroke.
- Pose a serious threat to people whose health is compromised by diabetes, respiratory diseases , or osteoporosis.
- Increase a woman's risk of having a preterm, low birth weight baby.
Are people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes?
Yes. Diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don't have their diabetes under control are especially at risk. Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.
A study in the November issue of the Journal of Periodontology found that when their periodontal infections were treated, the management of their diabetes markedly improved.
How does pregnancy affect your teeth and gums?
The hormonal changes during pregnancy increase the risk for gum disease with about half of women experience pregnancy gingivitis. This condition can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. Conversely, a more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease (a serious gum infection that destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold teeth in the mouth) may affect the health of your baby.
Is periodontal disease linked to preterm low birthweight babies?
Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birthweight babies. In fact, pregnant women with periodontal disease may be seven times more likely to have a baby that's born too early and too small. The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease.
Part III: Treatments for Gum Disease
What treatments are available for gum disease?
- Non-Surgical Treatments
- Periodontal Surgery
- Laser Therapy
- Dental Implants
- Cosmetic Procedures
How do you keep your gums fit?
- Eat foods rich in Vitamin C & Calcium
- Drink lots of water
- Brushing & flossing
- Avoid smoking
- Seeing your dentist 2-3 x per year
- Getting periodontal exam
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