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Gum Disease
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Gum Disease
Frequently Asked Questions
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
What Is gum disease?
What are the signs of gum disease?
How can I prevent gum disease?
Periodontal Disease and Kissing
Can Gum Disease cause general health problems?
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an
infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major
cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum
disease is usually painless, however,
you may not know you have it.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly
forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red,
swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can
usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the gums
and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The teeth can
become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
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What are the signs of gum disease?
If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see your dentist
immediately:
gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
red, swollen or tender gums
gums that have pulled away from the teeth
bad breath that doesn't go away
pus between your teeth and gums
loose teeth
a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
a change in the fit of partial dentures
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Normal, healthy gums |
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Periodontitis |
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Advanced periodontitis |
How can I prevent gum disease?
The good news is that you can help prevent gum disease by taking good care
of your teeth every day and having regular dental checkups. Here's how to keep
your teeth and gums healthy:
Brush your teeth well twice a day.
This removes the film of bacteria from the teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good condition. Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing fluoride strengthen the teeth and help prevent decay.
Use Mouth Washes and Tongue Cleaners.
There is lots of plaque all over the mouth. By using an anti plaque mouth wash and tongue cleaner you reduce the reservoir of plaque.
Clean between your teeth every day.
Cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaners removes bacteria and food particles from between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't reach. Early gum disease can often be reversed by daily brushing and flossing. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist how to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.
Eat a balanced diet.
Choose a variety of foods from the basic food groups, such as breads, cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry and fish; and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Limit between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist regularly.
It is important to have regular dental checkups, and professional cleaning is essential to prevent periodontal diseases.
See also: Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums
Periodontal Disease and Kissing
Periodontal disease is an oral condition which involves the breakdown of the structures which support the teeth such as the bone surrounding each tooth and the fibers which anchor the teeth to the gums. Currently, it is felt that the start and progression of periodontal disease (also known as periodontitis) is determined by the body’s response to infection caused by bacteria in plaque.
Although there are many bacteria which are commonly found in a person’s mouth, there are some bacteria linked to periodontal disease which are particularly destructive:
Actinobacillus Actinomycetemcomitams
Porphyromonas Gingivalis
Research has been done investigating whether or not the bacteria which cause periodontal disease can be passed between people who are married through kissing, or among family members, much like the way the flu or a cold can be spread from individual to individual.
Adults with periodontal disease may indeed be a source of infection of these specific bacteria to their partners or family members. However, it is important to recognize that a person may have these bacteria in his/her mouth, but not develop periodontal disease.
How can you prevent developing periodontal disease if your partner has it? You, your partner and family members can:
Practice better oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly after meals and before going to bed. By reducing the amount of plaque you leave on your teeth and gums, you also reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth.
Seeing your dental hygienist can alert you to potential problems sooner rather than later. He or she can also offer professional services that promote a healthy oral condition.
See your dental hygienist if you notice any of these symptoms of periodontal disease:
Bad taste in your mouth
Bad breath that does not go away
Itchy gums
Bleeding gums when brushing
Loose teeth
Pus coming out of your gums
A change in the fit of your partial denture
Can Gum Disease cause general health problems?
An ever-growing body of research links advanced gum disease and the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes.
In studies conducted in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Sweden, and Germany, researchers found that people with advanced gum disease also had a 25% to 100% increased risk of suffering from a heart attack than those without advanced gum disease. By comparison, those who smoke have a 60% increased risk of suffering from a heart attack than those who do not.
A similar relationship exists between advanced gum disease and the development of strokes. These studies suggest that advanced gum disease may be a potential risk factor for the development of strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers have several theories as to how gum disease may lead to strokes and heart attacks. Gum disease represents a bacterial infection of the gums, bones, and ligaments holding the teeth in place.
Gum disease damages small blood vessels running through the gums. Bacteria and their toxic products are then able to enter these damaged blood vessels and gain access to the circulation.
Researchers believe that once in the bloodstream, certain bacteria trigger the clumping of platelets to form blood clots. These blood clots, in turn, could block arteries to the heart, leading to a heart attack, or block arteries in the brain, leading to a stroke.
While more research needs to be performed to support this theory, researchers at the University of Minnesota injected certain strains of oral bacteria from dental plaque into rabbits' veins. Immediately after, platelets in the rabbits' veins clotted and the rabbits experienced reduced blood flow to their hearts. This suggested that the clots blocked blood vessels supplying the heart. Such a reduction in blood flow could easily lead to heart attacks.
Inflammation may represent another mechanism that could work in conjunction with clot formation. It has been well known that inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis, commonly known as hardening of the arteries. When arteries harden they narrow, and the risk of developing a heart attack or stroke increases due to the reduced blood flow through the narrowed arteries.
The longer gum disease lasts, the more inflammatory molecules are produced in order to fight off the bacterial invaders. Normally such an increase in inflammatory molecules doesn't affect the body. Because gum disease can last for long periods of time if not detected, researchers believe that, over time, the inflammatory molecules begin to trigger atherosclerosis.
Alternatively, bacteria alone may damage the lining of the blood vessels, an event which could also lead to atherosclerosis. More research is currently being conducted to study the potential relationship between gum disease and heart attacks / strokes.
The good news is that gum disease can be easily prevented. Make sure to floss and brush daily. You should visit your dentist twice a year.
| Contact Information for our Dentist in Milton Keynes | |
Dentist | Dr David Gilmartin |
Postal address | MK Dental Care, 159 Ramsons Avenue, Conniburrow, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, MK14 7BE, England. |
Phone | 01908 690326 |
Fax | 01908 676880 |
Electronic mail | |
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