Gum disease
Why might I be susceptible?
Periodontal disease is the primary cause of tooth loss amongst adults. This is because a certain number of people (15-20%) have immune systems that overreact to the bad bacteria in their mouths. When this overreaction occurs, the immune system attacks and breaks down the bone and tissue that surround the tooth. This destruction is not predictable and can occur sporadically. None of us knows if we are part of this 15-20% because we can’t usually feel or notice the onset of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. Both adults and children should be routinely checked for gum disease.
Keeping your gums in shape
Keep in mind that healthy gums DON’T BLEED. You are the key player on the hygiene team. If you don’t do the essential daily brushing and flossing, the rest of your dental team (the dentist and hygienist) is playing short-handed. And sometimes with everyone fighting the good fight, stubborn plaque and bacteria will require some new maintenance techniques for battling gum infection.
However, even if you are at a higher risk for gum disease, with regular cleaning and oral maintenance any mouth can be treated and controlled.
Are you living at high risk for gum disease?
Smoking: Numerous studies have shown that smokers have more gum disease. Smokers have increased levels of tartar in the mouth, and experience more tissue irritation, which makes their gums more susceptible to disease. Smokers have more bone loss and heal less quickly than non-smokers.
Stress: When our immune system is stressed it is difficult to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections.
Dental neglect: Avoiding the dentist is a lifestyle choice that puts you at risk of contracting diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums.
Flossing: With a scale and polish treatment, the dentist works to prevent infection in your mouth from entering the bloodstream and reaching vital organs. Flossing works in much the same way, and cleans areas and eliminates bacteria that brushing alone cannot reach.
Heart disease: Gum inflammation products and bacteria in gum disease can be linked to heart disease.
Stroke: New studies show that 70% of the fatty deposits of stroke sufferers contain bacteria, of which 40% comes from the mouth.
Diabetics: This group of people are more likely to have gum disease than most people and gum disease makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar. The immune response caused from bacteria around the gums makes blood sugars less controllable, and extra sugar in the blood can also come out in the crevicular fluid around the gums and tooth margins, causing gum disease and decay.
Premature birth: Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be as much as seven times more likely to have a baby born early. Some research suggests that gum disease may increase the level of hormones that induce labour. Due to an increase in hormones during pregnancy, even women that do not have gum disease may experience problems with their gums during this period. If this is the case, patients should contact us as we are here to help you manage these changes and to protect your dental health generally.