Gum Diseases

What is Gum Disease?

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar build up. Other factors that have the potential to cause gum disease may include:
•Tobacco use
•Clenching or grinding your teeth
•Certain medications
•Genetics
Types of Gum Disease Include:
•Gingivitis - The beginning stage of gum disease and is often undetected. This stage of the disease is reversible.
•Periodontitis - Untreated gingivitis may lead to this next stage of gum disease.

With many levels of periodontitis, the common outcome is chronic inflammatory response, a condition when the body breaks down the bone and tissue in the infected area of the mouth, ultimately resulting in tooth and bone loss.

Signs of Gum Disease Include:

• Red, bleeding, and/or swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Mobility of the teeth
• Tooth sensitivity caused by receding gums
• Abscessed teeth
• Tooth loss

Recent studies suggest gum disease may contribute to or be warning signs of potentially life threatening conditions such as:

• Heart Disease and Stroke - Studies suggest gingivitis may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke because of the high levels of bacteria found in infected areas of the mouth. As the level of periodontal disease increases, the risk of cardiovascular disease may increase with it. Other studies have suggested that the inflammation in the gums may create a chronic inflammation response in other parts of the body which has also been implicated in increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• Diabetes - People with diabetes often have some form of gum disease, likely caused by high blood glucose, according to the CDC. People with diabetes need to take extra care to ensure proper brushing and flossing techniques are used to prevent the advancement of the gum disease. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your dental hygienist should be followed.

• Chronic Kidney Disease - A study, conducted by Case Western Reserve University, suggests that people without any natural teeth, known as edentulous, are more likely to have chronic kidney disease (CDK), than people with natural teeth. CDK affects blood pressure potentially causing heart disease, contributed to kidney failure, and affects bone health.

• Preterm Birth - Babies that are born premature -- before 37 weeks of gestation -- may face numerous health complications. Research indicates that women with periodontal disease are three to five times more likely to have a baby born preterm compared to women without any form of gum disease. Women are more susceptible to gingivitis when pregnant and should follow their regular brushing habits, and continue with dental cleanings and examinations.

Treatments for Gum Disease

Depending on the type of gum disease, some of the available treatment options are:

• Removal of plaque and calculus by way of scaling done by your dental hygienist or dentist.

• Medications such as chlorhexidine gluconate, a mouth rinse prescribed by your dentist or hygienist to help kill the bacteria in your mouth, along with frequent cleanings.

• Surgery may be necessary in certain cases to stop, halt, or minimize the progression of periodontal disease. Surgery is also used to replace bone that was lost in advanced stages of the disease.

What Can I Do to Prevent Gum Disease?

Proper brushing and flossing is the easiest way to reduce and prevent gum disease, but regular cleanings with your dental hygienist or dentist are necessary to remove calculus and treat advanced gum disease. If you are concerned that you may have gum disease, contact your dentist.

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is one of the leading causes of tooth loss among adults. Gum disease can be easily treated if it is diagnosed in the early stages. It is important to notify your dentist if you have any of these following warning signs of gum disease:

1. Your gums bleed easily.
2. Your gums are very red, tender and / or swollen.
3. You can see pus in between your teeth and gums when they are pressed.
4. Your gums seem to be pulling away from your teeth.
5. You have chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
6. You notice a change in your bite or in the way your teeth fit together.
7. Your teeth are loose or they are separating.
8. The fit of your partials or dentures have changed.

Gum disease is caused by plaque remaining around the gumlines of the teeth. The bacteria in plaque produces acids and other toxins that can destroy bone and gum tissue over a period of time.

Brushing twice a day is not enough to remove plaque from in between the teeth, so it is very important to floss your teeth daily. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into a thick deposit called tartar. If tartar is allowed to remain on the teeth and below the gumline, it can lead to chronic infection and inflammation. The only way to remove tartar is to have your teeth professionally cleaned at your dental office.

How To How to Prevent Gum Disease

Gum Disease can affect more than just our oral health. The American Dental Association states, “There is evidence that bacteria in the mouth which are associated with gum disease may be linked to heart disease, artery blockages and stroke.”

The following tips can help you to prevent gum disease:

Here's How:

1. Brush your teeth properly twice a day. Brushing your teeth thoroughly removes plaque from the surface before it hardens into calculus.
2. Use a fluoride toothpaste. Using a toothpaste with fluoride helps to prevent decay.
3. Floss your teeth daily. Flossing is the only way to remove plaque from in between your teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach.
4. Use a mouth rinse. An antimicrobial mouth rinse can provide extra help in controlling plaque. Listerine is a good choice and has been approved by the American Dental Association.
5. Visit your dentist for regular check ups. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is the best way to make sure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.