What Causes Gum Disease?

What is gum disease?

Although it can be worrying to be told you have gum disease, you’re not alone. Many adults in the U.K. currently have some form of the disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this point forward.

Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colourless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

Gingivitis

The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place

Periodontitis

If gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces that become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.

What are the Risk Factors of Gum Disease?

Smoking
Diabetes
Other illnesses and their treatments
Some medications
Hormonal changes in girls/women
Genetic susceptibility

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

Bad breath that won’t go away
Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Sensitive teeth
Receding gums or longer appearing teeth

How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?

Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
Floss or use an inter-dental brush regularly to remove plaque from between teeth
Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
Don’t smoke

Can gum disease cause health problems beyond the mouth?

In some studies, researchers have observed that people with gum disease (when compared to people without gum disease) were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar. Other studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver pre-term, low birth weight babies. But so far, it has not been determined whether gum disease is the cause of these conditions.

Next steps

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Hygienists are central to our battle with gum disease and can help in several ways.

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Periodontal (Gum) Disease : Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is gum disease?