Gingivitis
Gum disease is caused by a response to plaque which is film of bacteria that collects on teeth.
The first stage is called Gingivitis. Gums become red, swollen and bleed easily,you may notice bad breath. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage.
Gingivitisis reversible with professional treatment and good oral care at home. That’s why it is important that brushing and flossing are part your everyday oral health routine.
If untreated gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, which is a destructive form of periodontal disease affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth
Here there is progressive loss of the alveolar bone around the teeth, and if left untreated, can lead to the loosening and subsequent loss of teeth.
Periodontitis is a complex MULTIFACTORIAL infection complicated by the inflammatory response of the host.It involves the host defence,the oral environment and the bacteria(virulence and maturity)
Infrequent and improper brushing and flossing often cause gum disease.
The key host factors that influence the progress of the disease are:
SYSTEMIC:
- Smoking doubles your risk.
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Immune Status
- Certain Medications, Age over 35, Poor Nutrition
- Having a family member with gum disease increases your risk.
LOCAL:
- Tartar
- Fillings with Ledges
- Dentures
- Tooth position and shape
- Traumatic Bite
- Thinness of Gum Tissue
- SYMPTOMS of Periodontitis include: Redness or bleeding gums,bad breath,gums receding,pockets developing between the teeth and gums. (pockets are sites where the attachment has been gradually destroyed )
- IMPORTANT NOTE: gingival inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing gum disease where bone and attachment is being lost
Medical Health Risks of Periodontal Disease
Healthier gums mean a healthier you!
The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can travel into the blood stream and pose a threat to other parts of the body.
The health of your mouth affects your entire body. Especially now that you can take care of your gum disease in a minimally invasive fashion, there has NEVER been more reason to take care of yourself! The following facts are astonishing!
- Heart attack – Those with gum disease are twice a likely to develop coronary heart disease and 2.6 times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than those without gum disease.
- Stroke – Men who have had gum disease have a 57% higher risk of ischemic stroke.
- Diabetes – The International Federation of Diabetes states that controlling gum disease is one of the best ways to control blood sugar in those with diabetes.
- Pancreatic Cancer – Men with a history of gum disease have a 63% increased risk of pancreatic cancer than men without a history of gum disease.
- Respiratory Diseases are more prominent in those with gum disease.
- Premature or underweight babies – Women are twice as likely to have a premature or low birth weight baby due to periodontal disease. A recent premature infant death in California has been linked to the mother having periodontal disease.
That’s why we take gum disease very seriously. The team wants to do everything possible to provide you with the care you need.
