Periodontal (Gum) Disease

For decades we have been telling our patients that periodontal or gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.  The scary part of this is that approximately 2/3 of all adults over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease.

Even though the initial stages of gum disease, gingivitis, have little or no symptoms, many adults ignore some of the more obvious ones.  For example, do you have:

Periodic sore or tender gums? Slight puffiness or swelling of gums around the base of your teeth? Gums that are red rather than a healthy pink? Gums that are prone to bleed when you brush or floss? Receding gums which are pulling away from your teeth? Bad breath?

If so, you probably have gum disease.

There are two basic types of gum disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

Gingivitis  Gingiva is the proper term for our gums.  Gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease, is an inflammation or swelling of the gums due to infection caused by bacteria, the same bacteria whose acid waste causes cavities.  When plaque, formed by colonies of this bacteria, form around and below the gum line in sufficient numbers it causes an irritation which becomes an infection.  The symptoms of gingivitis include red swollen, tender gums which bleed easily.

Periodontitis  The word periodontitis literally means inflammation around the tooth.  The difference between gingivitis and periodontitis is that gingivitis is limited to the gums.  In periodontitis the infection has attacked the bone that supports the tooth.  Periodontitis itself is painless and most people who have it don’t know they have it.  The infection slowly dissolves the bone and the connective tissue that attaches the bone to the tooth.  Eventually the bone support around the tooth recedes far enough that the tooth becomes loose and comes out.  Periodontitis affects nearly 50% of the adult population.

How does gum disease affect my dental health?

Healthy teeth and gums.	Gingivitas - red, swollen gums.
Periodontitis - receding gums.	Severe Periodontitis - bone loss.

The biggest effect gum disease has on dental health is the potential loss of teeth.  It may have been common in your grandparent’s generation to have dentures due to tooth loss, but that is no longer the case with modern dental treatment and care.  It can also be a precursor to oral cancer if not treated.

However, recent studies have found an alarming link between periodontitis and other health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.  It has been found that the bacteria that irritates the gums and eats away at the bone in periodontitis can enter the blood stream and cause infections in other parts of the body which can lead to these potentially fatal diseases

Can gum disease be treated?

The good news is that, with modern dental treatment and proper home care, gum disease can be treated.  When properly diagnosed a personal treatment plan will be outlined for the patient.  The plan will include special periodontal cleaning by our hygienist to get at the built up calculus deep below the gum line.  More frequent periodontal cleanings may be required to reverse and control the disease.  In particularly severe cases other treatments may be recommended including the referral to a dental specialist in periodontal diseases.

Special attention to patient home dental care will also be part of the treatment plan.  The patient will be instructed on special home care which may include the use of a special mouthwash and an interdental brush to clean hard to reach places.

How can I avoid gum disease?

The best way to avoid the health risk of gum disease is the same for maintaining a healthy and attractive smile.  This includes:

Brush teeth at least twice daily, paying particular attention to letting the bristles reach under the gum line to help disrupt any bacteria or plaque growth.  Don’t scrub your teeth or use heavy pressure, but gently use a circular motion back and forth across the teeth allowing the soft bristles to reach behind the gums and between the teeth. Floss between and behind all teeth at least once a day.  Remember to reach behind your back molars. You may use an antiseptic mouthwash if you suspect gum-irritating gingivitis.  Select a mouthwash that uses chlorhexidine gluconate or hydrogen peroxide.  Do not use a mouthwash that uses an alcohol base as it may aggravate the condition.  Remember that using a mouthwash does not replace proper brushing or flossing. Visit our dental office regularly, usually every six months, for dental check-ups and professional cleaning to help monitor your tooth and gum health and to identify any early signs of gum disease.

Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, plus, if left untreated, could lead to other life-threatening diseases.  But the good news is that it is largely preventable.

If you or a loved one has any of the warning signs of gum disease, call our office immediately.  We’ll help you keep a happy, healthy smile that you can look forward to enjoying for a lifetime.