Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is the number one cause of tooth loss in people who are aged 30 and above. Most people are aware of the danger of dental decay and the need to maintain oral hygiene, but very few people know that after dental decay, gum disease is the second most common disease worldwide. In the United States periodontitis affects 30-50% of the population, with 10% being severely affected.
The majority of people wish to keep their own teeth for as long as possible and many people spend large sums of money on cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of their teeth and smile. Understanding periodontal disease may help people to maintain their own teeth for as long as possible.
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What Is Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a disease of the gums and the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. The name is derived from Latin where “peri” means around, “odont” means tooth, and “itis” means inflammation. The peridontium refers to the gums, the ligament of connective tissue that holds the tooth in its socket, and the alveolar bone around the tooth. The ligament connects the tooth but also acts as a cushion between the tooth and bone.
Periodontitis usually starts from an infection of the gums called gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, the infection attacks the ligament supporting the tooth in the jaw, and causes inflammation and gradual destruction of the alveolar bone that anchors the tooth in place. This is now periodontal disease and can cause the gums to recede, exposing the root surfaces, making teeth more sensitive to heat and cold. The progressive loss of bone will lead to loosening of the teeth and their eventual loss.
What Causes Periodontitis
Periodontitis, or periodontal disease, is initially caused by a buildup of dental plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on teeth and builds up particularly around the gum line. It is created by bacteria which are found naturally in the mouth, and in small amounts it is colourless and fairly harmless.
When plaque accumulates around the gum margin the bacteria produce toxins and acids that irritate the gums and the plaque builds into a soft whitish deposit that is clearly visible. This then causes gingivitis or bleeding gums. If gingivitis is not treated the plaque hardens to form calculus using the calcium ions from saliva in the mouth.
Brushing and flossing does not remove calculus and from there the bacteria invade the gum tissues. The plaque will eventually move below the gum line where harmful bacteria multiply rapidly in the airless environment, and thrive in the gap between the tooth and the gum. The bacteria and the toxins they secrete then start to damage the gum, the ligament that attaches the tooth and the bony support of the tooth, eventually leading to loosening of the tooth.
In some people, the inflammation caused by the bacteria can cause the body to essentially turn on itself and help breakdown and destroy the periodontal ligament and bone of the tooth socket, accelerating the chance of tooth loss. This destructive response is determined mainly by genetics and also the state of an individual’s immune system.
Some People are More Susceptible to Gum Disease Than Others
Some people are much more susceptible to developing periodontal disease than others. Although the primary cause is dental plaque, some people are genetically more susceptible to it leading to periodontitis. There are several medical conditions and diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, stress, heart disease, Downs syndrome, pregnancy, certain medications (anti-convulsant and contraceptive pills) and lifestyle habits like smoking, that can reduce the immune system’s ability to overcome gum infection and increase susceptibility to periodontitis.
Oral Hygiene Could Save Your Life
Your mouth is often taken for granted; we eat, drink, kiss and some of us bite our nails yet we expect it to clean itself.
According to ‘Revolution Health’ “Nail-biting increases the risk of infections around your nail beds and in your mouth. Dental problems and infections of the gums can be caused by nail-biting.”
The Importance of Flossing
Regular appointments to your dental hygienist could reveal that between brushing and caring for your teeth and tongue you also need to protect your gums by flossing. Flossing once a day can decrease the risk of heart disease, strokes, diabetes and respiratory disease. The ‘British Dental Health Foundation’ say “Studies have proved that infections in the mouth can cause problems in the body.”
Brushing your tongue has become ever more popular these days with TV ads promoting the latest new toothbrush that could probably clean your whole house if programmed correctly, but one thing that many people either forget to do or cannot be bothered to do could actually be the one part of your oral hygiene routine that would save your life.
Major Causes of Tooth Loss & Decay
According to the BDHF “the two major causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease.” Many people think that by brushing their teeth they’re doing all they can to protect them but the truth is they are only half way there. If you don’t look after your teeth and gums properly you could cause more harm… to your body. Preventing tooth loss isn’t as simple as brushing; just because you have all your teeth doesn’t mean they’re healthy.
Gum Disease; Affects to the Body
There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal disease. Gingivitis is when your gums swell up and bleed when brushed. Gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. All types of periodontal disease affect the gums and eventually the bone that supports the teeth.
Gum disease in adults is very common and most will people suffer from it. You could go through most of your life not having known you suffer from a gum disease, as it is often painless. If left untreated it can lead to gum abscesses, and pus may ooze from around the teeth becoming very painful.
So how does it affect the rest of our bodies? Bacteria from the mouth can get into the blood stream and affect the heart and lungs causing blood clots to form and preventing the flow of blood. “People with gum disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease than those without gum disease” says the BDHF.
Studies performed by the BDHF have revealed a link between mouth infections and strokes. People diagnosed with a stroke are more likely to have gum disease. Also people with gum disease have higher levels of bacteria in their mouths and may therefore be more likely to get chest infections.
The BDHF say “there are now many specialized formulations of toothpaste available including tartar control, toothpaste for sensitive teeth and total care toothpastes.” Using an anti-septic/anti-bacterial mouthwash after brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste can wash away any debris that flossing and brushing leaves behind and prevents halitosis (bad breath).
You should ask your dentist about electric toothbrushes, with oscillating and rotating action as they are found to be better at removing plaque than manual brushes.
Perhaps you’ll think twice about what you put in tour mouth.
