- Gum disease is an infection of the gums and tissues that surround the teeth. This infection occurs when a bacterial film called plaque builds on the gums. If the plaque is not removed regularly, it grows. Eventually the gums will pull back from the tooth. Pockets of bacteria may form between the gums and teeth eventually attacking the ligament holding the tooth in its socket and resulting in tooth and bone loss.
- Many people believe gum disease only occurs in people that don't brush their teeth. Everyone has the bacteria that cause plaque in, but up to 30% of the population (according to the American Dental Association) is genetically more likely to develop gum disease. For this portion of the population brushing and flossing regularly is not enough to prevent gum disease. Even with excellent oral hygiene these individuals may still develop some level of gum disease.
- Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is marked by a painless infection with swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums. If gingivitis is not addressed it can lead to a more advanced disease stage, periodontitis. Periodontitis results when plaque moves beyond the gum line and into the periodontal ligament that holds the teeth. Periodontitis has several forms including aggressive periodontitis which creates rapid tooth loss and chronic periodontitis which results in slow tooth loss.
- Gingivitis can be controlled for some time with brushing, flossing and regular cleanings. If gingivitis is not addressed it can lead to the more advanced disease stage of periodontitis. The progressed infection of periodontitis produces large pockets of bacteria below the gum line which may trap debris resulting in abscesses, loss of the tooth and eventual systemic infection.
- Symptoms of gum disease include bleeding gums, swollen tender or red gums, receding gums, bad breath and loose teeth. Early stages of gum disease may not be easy to identify and there may be no obvious physical symptoms. A dentist can diagnose early gum disease by looking for abnormal spaces between teeth and gums, discovering moving teeth and examining x-rays for bone loss.
- Untreated gum disease inevitably results in tooth and bone loss. Additionally, the presence of gum disease increases the possibility of developing a variety of other diseases. Research has linked gum disease to a higher prevalence of heart disease, stroke, cancer and pregnancy complications such as low birth weight and preeclampsia. It is not yet know if these diseases cause gum disease or if gum disease contributes to the development of the illnesses.
- The American Academy of Periodontics has recommendations beyond good oral hygiene for preventing gum disease. If you are a smoker, stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of gum disease seven times. Try to reduce stress- stress takes a toll on your immune system making it difficult for your body to fight disease. Eat a healthy diet that includes the RDA of calcium. Additionally, individuals who eat less than the RDA of calcium double their risk of developing gum disease.
