WLDC
CARING FOR ALL YOUR FAMILY’S DENTAL NEEDS
Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss. People are often unaware of periodontal disease, as unlike a toothache, periodontal disease is typically not associated with pain.
Common symptoms include bleeding when brushing, red and /or swollen gums, bad breath, sensitivity, gum recession and tooth mobility.Gum disease is preventable and, particularly in the early stages is relatively easy to treat and stabilise.
If you or your dentist have any concerns regarding gum disease, consider having a consultation with a Periodontist.
Many studies have linked periodontal disease to conditions like heart disease and diabetes, although the exact role of gum disease is not clear we do know inflammation anywhere in the body isn’t good so treating gum disease at the earliest opportunity is important.
More than 45% of adults in the UK are affected by gum disease and, even at its most mild level, it can affect quality of life.
The following information describes periodontal disease in more detail.
– Gum disease is often ‘silent’, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease.
However, warning signs of gum disease include the following:
– Red, swollen or tender gums
– Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
– Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
– Loose or separated teeth
– Pus between your gums and teeth
– Persistent bad breath
– A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
GINGIVITIS
Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Factors that may contribute to gingivitis include, diabetes, smoking, aging, genetic predisposition, systemic diseases and conditions, stress, inadequate nutrition, puberty, hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy and certain medication use.
PERIODONTITIS
Untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis. With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums) that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Often, this destructive process has very mild symptoms. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.
DIABETES AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Diabetic patients are more likely to develop periodontal disease, which in turn can increase blood sugar and diabetic complications.
People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered a complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.
Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with high blood sugar. This puts people with diabetes at increased risk for diabetic complications.
SMOKING/TOBACCO USE
Tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. Tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. Studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
GENETICS
Research has indicated that some people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. Despite aggressive oral care habits, these people may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early intervention treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.
STRESS
Stress is linked to many serious conditions such as hypertension and numerous other health problems. Stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
CLENCHING OR GRINDING YOUR TEETH
Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which these periodontal tissues are destroyed.
PERIODONTITIS AND HEART DISEASE
Several studies have shown that periodontal disease is associated with heart disease. While a cause-and-effect relationship has not yet been proven, research has indicated that periodontal disease increases the risk of heart disease.
Scientists believe that inflammation caused by periodontal disease may be responsible for the association.
Periodontal disease can also exacerbate existing heart conditions. Patients at risk for infective endocarditis may require antibiotics prior to dental procedures. Your periodontist and cardiologist will be able to determine if your heart condition requires the use of antibiotics prior to dental procedures.