
Periodontal (gum) disease is a serious threat to the health of the gums and teeth. If left untreated, gum disease can destroy the structures that hold the teeth in place, in turn causing tooth loss. Unfortunately, gum disease is a public health concern, as studies show that over half of all American adults have some form of gum disease.
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene habits. When food
particles and bacteria are not removed from the mouth with regular brushing and
flossing, a sticky film called plaque can form on the teeth, eventually
hardening into tartar, which cannot be removed by brushing (only professional
cleanings). As the bacterial cells multiply, infection results. The immune
system’s response to this bacterial infection is to release substances that
inflame and destroy the gum tissue and bone holding the teeth in place.
In the early stages of
gum disease, known as gingivitis, the gum tissue slowly deteriorates. The gums
usually bleed and look swollen. As periodontal disease advances, it can cause
the gum tissue to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces or pockets that can
harbor even more bacteria. In its most severe stages, called periodontitis, the
tissue and bone that support the teeth are slowly destroyed. The teeth can
start to loosen and shift around in the mouth, and the way the teeth fit
together when biting down can change. The loss of tissue and bone can affect
one area of the mouth or the entire mouth.
It’s important to note
that recent research has found a link between periodontal disease and systemic
diseases, like heart disease and diabetes. Although more research is needed to
determine the exact causal relationship, most dentists believe the bacteria
responsible for gum disease can enter the bloodstream and possibly affect the
heart, lungs and other organs.
Treating Gum Disease
The exact treatment of gum disease depends on the severity of the
condition. Mild forms of gum disease can usually be managed with a professional
cleaning and diligent at-home oral hygiene. More advanced forms of gum disease
may require procedures such as scaling and root planing, which remove bacteria
and tartar from below the gumline and the root surfaces of the teeth.
Antibiotic medicine may also be prescribed to help control the bacteria
infection. The most severe cases of gum disease may require surgery to reduce
gum pockets and place gum or bone grafts.
Contact Rahman dental
care
If your gums are red, swollen or bleeding or you notice them pulling
away from your teeth, you should be screened for gum disease. Please make an
appointment with our team by calling or emailing us today.