Causes & Prevention
Gum disease (periodontal disease) means infection or inflammation of the tissues that surround the teeth. Most cases of gum disease are plaque-related. Plaque contains many different types of bacteria and a build up of some types of bacteria are associated with developing gum disease. Depending on the severity, gum disease is generally divided into two types – gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums. There are various types. However, most cases of gingivitis are caused by plaque.
Periodontitis occurs if gingivitis becomes worse and progresses to involve the tissue that joins the teeth to the gums (the periodontal membrane).
Periodontal disease is usually painless which can make it harder to detect.
The Early Stages
In its early stages just the gum is affected and the gums become inflamed and appear red and swollen and will bleed easily and the bleeding can often be noticed on brushing. You may notice bad breath. At this stage if you get rid of all the plaque and keep it away by careful brushing, flossing and maybe the use of mouthwashes as well your gums should return to normal.
The Later Stages – Bone Loss
If the disease is not stopped it continues to spread down under the gum and the gums may become more swollen and bleed more often. The plaque may harden to tartar around the teeth. The infection spreads into the bone that holds the teeth in place and in simple terms starts to dissolve the bone away. Once the bone goes it cannot be naturally replaced.
How The Teeth Are Affected
Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. The effect of losing bone is that the tooth may become gradually loose and eventually if the disease process is not stopped then the affected tooth or teeth will fall out. In these later stages you will need the help of a dentist or dental hygienist to carry out cleaning under the gums to clean out the affected areas. If the disease is severe then you may need to see a specialist for treatment and sometimes gum surgery is required.
Bad Breath
Gum disease can also be a cause of bad breath (halitosis).
Causes of Gum Disease
Dental plaque
Dental plaque is a soft whitish deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It forms when bacteria (germs) combine with food and saliva. Plaque contains many types of bacteria. You can remove plaque with good oral hygiene.
Calculus
Calculus, sometimes called tartar, is hardened calcified plaque. It sticks firmly to teeth. Generally, it can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist with special instruments.
Caries
Caries (tooth decay) is when holes form in parts of the enamel of a tooth. A main cause of caries is due to a build up of plaque. The bacteria in the plaque react with sugars and starches in food to form acids. The acids are kept next to the teeth by the sticky plaque and ‘dissolve’ the tooth enamel.
Smoking
Studies have also shown that smoking is a risk factor for gum disease and every effort should be made to stop smoking as part of treatment for the condition.
Prevention of Gum Disease
Routine oral hygiene
It is important to get into a regular habit of good oral hygiene. The most important are to brush and floss your teeth every day. Good oral hygiene helps to prevent dental problems – mainly plaque and calculus which are the main causes of gum disease and caries (tooth decay).
Tooth brushing
Brush your teeth at least twice a day. The head of the brush should be small enough to get into all the areas of the mouth. Spend at least two minutes brushing, covering all areas (inside, outside, and biting areas of each tooth). Pay particular attention to where the teeth meet the gums. Get a new toothbrush every 3-4 months.
Flossing
Floss your teeth at least once a day after brushing, and preferably twice a day. If you are not sure how to floss, then ask your dentist, dental hygienist, or pharmacist. The gums may bleed a little when you first begin to floss. This should settle within a few days. If it persists then see a dentist as regular bleeding after brushing or flossing teeth may indicate early gum disease.
Other things you can do
- Antiseptic mouthwash may be useful in the treatment and prevention of gum disease.
- If you smoke, you should aim to stop smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing gum disease.
Nutrition
Eat a well balanced healthy diet. If you have difficulty in maintaining a healthy well balanced diet, or your lifestyle or life circumstances suggest that you require additional nutrients to those you are receiving in your diet, then you may benefit from using a nutritional supplement. Ask your dentist or pharmacist for advice.
- Further help and advice -British Dental Health Foundation operates a free helpline providing independent and impartial advice on all aspects of oral health. Helpline: 0845 063 1188 Web: www.dentalhealth.org.uk