Gum Disease

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Gum disease or periodontal disease affects many adults. If left untreated or ignored gum disease can become a severe health issue, affecting many other parts of your body. Periodontal disease is first noticed as simple gum inflammation. As the disease continues to grow and spread it can become a serious issue that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. In the worst cases scenarios, teeth are lost and your immune system takes a beating leaving you venerable to a number of other health related problems, including heart disease and diabetes.  

How you care for your teeth will determine if your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Bacteria is the cause of gum disease. Your mouth is full of bacteria. As you consume foods and drinks a sticky, colorless plaque forms on your teeth from a combination of bacteria, mucus and food. Your saliva will help remove plaque from your teeth, but it won't remove it all. If plaque builds up it hardens and forms tartar or calculus.  The longer plaque and tartar remain on your teeth, the more harmful they become.

Gingivitis

Bacteria first starts to cause inflammation of the gums. This is called gingivitis. The gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a beginning form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

Periodontal Disease

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, (which means “inflammation around the tooth”). Gums begin to pull away from the teeth and form spaces called pockets. These pockets can easy become infected and can be difficult or impossible to clean at home. The body’s natural defense system will fight the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Note, brushing and flossing helps get rid of plaque, however, only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar. It is highly recommended to have regular cleanings for this cause.

High Risk Factors for Gum Disease

• Smoking:  Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances for successful treatment.
• Hormonal changes in women: These changes can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease.
• Other illnesses: Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also negatively affect the health of gums.
• Medications: Medications that reduce the flow of saliva make your mouth vulnerable to infection. Since saliva has a protective effect on the mouth, without enough saliva, the mouth is vulnerable to diseases such as gum disease. Some medications can cause abnormal overgrowth of the gum tissue which can make it difficult to keep teeth and gums clean.
• Genetic susceptibility: Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

• Bad breath that won’t go away
• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Red or swollen gums
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Painful chewing
• Loose teeth
• Sensitive teeth
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

Treatments of gum disease include procedures like Scaling and Root Planing, medications or surgical treatment. Scaling and Root Planing is a thorough procedure that removes the tarter and active infection from under the gums, around the tooth and near the bone level.  Some surgical treatments involve flap surgery or bone and tissue grafting.  The more advanced the infection is, the more complex the treatment options are.  Come in to see Dr. Poulson and his team as soon as possible if you are concerned that you might have gum disease.  The earlier a dental professional gets to treat it, the easier the treatment is and the better your outcome will be.