Gum diseases, also known as Periodontal diseases, are bacterial infections around the tooth or teeth that cause inflammation, bleeding and if untreated, possible tooth loss. Gum disease is extremely prevalent, even in countries with access to advanced hygiene. In the US for example, the National Center for Health Statistics estimates that over 75% of adults currently have gum disease in either mild or acute forms.
Gum disease forms when plaque and tartar are not sufficiently removed from the teeth and gums with proper oral hygiene. Plaque and tartar (also known as calculus), usually forms in between the teeth and between the teeth and gums. As plaque and tartar accumulate, the bacteria in them start producing toxic by-products which in turn cause an inflammation of the gums. Early signs of inflammation are categorized as minor gum disease or gingivitis. Periodontitis, or severe gum disease, occurs when gingivitis is not properly treated and bacteria continue to accumulate on teeth and especially between the teeth and gums. If left untreated, loss of gum tissue and bone tissue can result in oral complications including tooth loss.
Causes of Gum Disease
Proper oral hygiene is the best way to prevent any gum disease. Regular oral hygiene is not always sufficient - for example, brushing your teeth 3 times a day may not prevent gum disease if you are not brushing properly and if you neglect to floss. Lack of proper oral hygiene is the number one cause for gum disease. Neglecting regular cleanings from a professional at least once every six months can also cause gums disease, regardless of oral hygiene habits. This is because plaque and tartar can form below the gum line between the gums and the teeth where toothbrushes and floss cannot reach. The bacteria caused by tartar and plaque build-up below the gums can start releasing damaging toxins within 3 months. Braces and misaligned teeth can further facilitate the onset of gum disease because of the difficulty in keeping the teeth and gums free of plaque and tartar.
Hormonal changes can also increase the risk of gum disease - puberty, pregnancy and diabetes mellitus are examples of such cases.
Like all infections that cause inflammation, other factors can exacerbate and encourage the rapid development of gum disease. Stress, poor diet and immune deficiencies can cause gum disease to deteriorate the gums and teeth much quicker than in healthier people. Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis or ‘trench mouth’ is an example of rapid spontaneous gum disease growth. In these cases, rapid deterioration of the gums and teeth are accompanied by foul smelling breath.
Symptoms
Gum disease, in its early stages, causes the gums to swell or become inflamed. The gums may change color to a purple or deep red, and may become slightly itchy. In many cases, pain will only be felt when pressure is applied to the swollen gums. Mouth sores may become more common due to the bacteria being produced making its way throughout the mouth. An increase in mouth sores and gums that are painful to the touch are sure signs of gum disease and should be paid immediate attention. Another symptom of gum disease is frequent bleeding of the gums when brushing or flossing. With proper brushing and flossing your gums should not bleed - over brushing or flossing or applying too much pressure when performing oral hygiene may also cause bleeding - make sure you are not damaging the gums with your daily oral hygiene. Other symptoms of minor gum disease (gingivitis) include shiny gums, dark red gums and foul smelling breath.
Severe gum disease, or periodontitis, can include some or all of the symptoms of minor gum disease. Other symptoms of severe gum disease may constant halitosis (bad breath), gingival recession where the gum line recedes, exposing more of the tooth or teeth, and deep pockets between the gums and the teeth which can result in further plaque build-up and permanent separation of the gums and teeth. Extreme cases of untreated periodontitis can result in gum and teeth tissue loss and the loosening of teeth.
Prevention
To prevent gum disease, routine hygiene is not always enough. Oral hygiene needs to be administered properly for the best protection. If you have a good oral hygiene schedule but still have symptoms of gum disease, you may want to speak to a dentist about proper brushing and flossing techniques. Regular checkups with your dentist can significantly decrease the onset of gum disease. Dentists will use a process called scaling or debridement. The purpose is to completely remove tartar and plaque build up on the teeth and below the gum line where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. Using antiseptic mouth washes regularly can also help fight the onset of gingivitis or other gum diseases.
Care and Treatment
As mentioned, over 75% of adults in the US have some form of gum disease. If you suspect you have gum disease (see symptoms earlier in this article) then you should see an oral hygienist for debridement or scaling. This will temporarily stop bacteria from reproducing. In the meantime and between visits, there are many products available to control gum inflammation, bleeding and soreness. Gum Therapy from Quantum Health can provide virtually instant pain relief from gingivitis. It also decreases inflammation by stopping the body’s immune system from working against itself. By reducing swelling, Gum Therapy will also significantly decrease bleeding of the gums, thus decreasing the discomfort associated with gingivitis and minor gum disease. Quantum Health is a leader in oral medicine and their Gum Therapy product is used across North America. Along with Gum therapy, rinsing with antiseptic mouth wash and occasionally a saline solution can help reduce gingivitis flare-ups.
