Gum Disease
Gum disease is an extremely common and largely preventable condition. Although initially barely noticeable, if left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious dental problems, including tooth mobility and eventually tooth loss.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease has two stages, gingivitis and periodontitis. Everyone's mouth is full of bacteria and this bacteria grows on the teeth and gums in the form of plaque. The formation of plaque is never ending, the instant you finish cleaning your teeth, plaque will start to re-form. The longer that plaque is allowed to grow and fester, the more aggressive and harmful it becomes to the tissues surrounding the teeth.
Stage One - Gingivitis: This is the early stage of gum disease, characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. At this stage, the disease is usually reversible with proper dental care and effective removal of the plaque biofilm every 24 hours.
Stage Two - Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left unchecked, it can advance to periodontitis. In this more severe stage, the bacterial toxins irritate the bone underneath the gums. Slowly over time, the bone levels are taken away, reducing the support for the teeth. Eventually the teeth can become loose and make eating very challenging. Ultimately resulting in the tooth being extracted or simply falling out. In general, the lost bone cannot be repaired, therefore the damage caused by periodontitis is irreversible.
Causes of Gum Disease
1. Plaque:
The root cause of gum disease is plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on your teeth. If there is no plaque, there can be no gum disease. This underpins the importance of effectively brushing your teeth and cleaning inbetween your teeth with floss and interdental brushes where a toothbrush is unable to reach. Tartar, otherwise known as calculus, is the build up of left over mineral deposits from our own saliva. It is very hard and cannot be simply brushed away once formed, instead it needs to be professionally cleaned. Tartar helps to hide plaque from the tooth brush and can therefore exacerbate the problem of gum disease.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene:
Inconsistent or poor brushing and flossing habits will lead to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, leading to the onset of gum disease.
3. Smoking and Tobacco Use:
Smoking reduces your immune system’s ability to fight against the bacteria, making it harder to fend off the gum infection. Tobacco use also reduces blood flow to the gums, impeding the healing process. As a result, smoking increases the severity of gum disease and can increase the speed of bone loss.
4. Genetics:
Although plaque is the cause, there is a genetic component to severity of effects. Some people are more affected by the issue than others. The good news is that most people sit in the middle, controlling plaque should prevent gum disease.
5. Hormonal Changes:
Hormonal fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation can make gums more sensitive and susceptible to gum disease. Pregnant women often notice theirs gums bleed more. However, immaculate oral hygiene will prevent this.
6. Medical Conditions:
Certain diseases, such as diabetes, can affect your immune response. People with diabetes are more prone to infections, including gum disease. Good glycaemic control can prevent the effects.
7. Medications:
Medication side effects can reduce saliva flow, which is essential for protecting your teeth and gums. Others may cause abnormal overgrowth of gum tissue, making it harder to keep the gums clean.
Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Painful chewing
- Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Preventing Gum Disease
Preventing gum disease involves maintaining good oral hygiene and making healthy lifestyle choices. Here are some key steps you can take:
1. Brush Twice a Day:
As plaque will accumulate on every surface it is important to brush every possible surface. The front, back and sides of your teeth. The most important place to focus on is where the tooth and gum join. It is important to point the tooth brush into the gums at roughly 45 degrees. Don’t be put off by bleeding when you brush, focus on these areas more, over the next few days the bleeding will improve and should eventually stop.
2. Floss Daily:
Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline where your toothbrush can’t reach. Make it a habit to floss at least once a day. Ideally at night before you brush.
3. Regular Dental Checkups:
Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings. Your dentist can remove tartar and detect early signs of gum disease before it becomes more serious.
4. Quit Smoking:
If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of gum disease and improve your overall oral health.
5. Use Mouthwash:
Antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria in your mouth, lowering the risk of gum disease. However, it should not replace brushing and flossing. The best time to use mouthwash is at a different time to brushing, for example after lunch.
7. Manage Health Conditions:
If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, managing it effectively can help reduce your risk of gum disease. Speak to your GP if you feel any medication is affecting your saliva or causing a dry mouth.
8. Stay Hydrated:
Drinking plenty of water helps to improve saliva flow. Saliva has protective and antimicrobial actions.
Studies have also demonstrated that there is a strong link between gum health and cardiovascular health. Reduced inflammation and bacterial action in the gums can reduce systemic inflammatory markers in the blood.