Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a
condition in which the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth become
infected and inflamed. It is caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the
teeth, which leads to the destruction of the bone and connective tissue that
support the teeth. Symptoms include bleeding gums, bad breath, and loose or
sensitive teeth. Periodontal disease can be treated and managed through regular
dental cleanings, proper oral hygiene, and in more advanced cases, surgery. It
is important to address gum disease early on as it is a major cause of tooth
loss in adults.
About gum disease
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a chronic
infection of the gums and other supporting structures of the teeth. It is
caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth, which leads to
inflammation and infection of the gums. If left untreated, periodontal disease
can progress and lead to the destruction of the bone and connective tissue that
support the teeth, resulting in tooth loss.
There are several stages of periodontal disease, including
gingivitis (early stage) and periodontitis (advanced stage). Symptoms of
gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums, while periodontitis
symptoms include those of gingivitis, as well as receding gums, loose teeth,
and bad breath.
Periodontal disease is a common condition and it's prevalence
increase with age. Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetics,
certain medical conditions, and certain medications.
Periodontal disease can be treated and managed through
regular dental cleanings, proper oral hygiene, and in more advanced cases,
surgery. It is important to address gum disease early on as it is a major cause
of tooth loss in adults and also linked to other health issues such as heart
disease and diabetes.
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by
the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of
bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums, and if not removed through regular
brushing and flossing, can harden into tartar.
When plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth, they
irritate and inflame the gums, causing gingivitis, which is the early stage of
gum disease. If not treated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, an
advanced stage of gum disease that can lead to the destruction of the bone and
connective tissue that support the teeth, resulting in tooth loss.
Some of the risk factors that can contribute to the
development of gum disease include:
Poor oral hygiene
Smoking and tobacco use
Genetics
Certain medical conditions (such as diabetes, HIV, and heart
disease)
Certain medications
Hormonal changes
Poor nutrition
Crooked teeth or ill-fitting dental appliances that make it
difficult to clean the teeth properly.
It's important to note that gum disease is a chronic
condition, which means that it can develop over time and may not show symptoms
until it has progressed significantly. Regular dental check-ups and good oral
hygiene practices can help prevent and manage gum disease.
Seeing your dentist
Seeing your dentist regularly is an important part of
maintaining good oral health and preventing gum disease.
During a dental check-up, your dentist will examine your
teeth and gums for signs of plaque, tartar, and gum disease. They may also take
x-rays to check for any issues that may not be visible during a visual exam.
They will also check for any signs of oral cancer.
The dentist or hygienist will also clean your teeth during
the appointment, removing any plaque and tartar that have built up since your
last visit. This process is called scaling and polishing, and it helps to
prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can lead to gum disease.
Your dentist will also provide you with personalized oral
care advice and instructions on how to properly care for your teeth and gums at
home. They may also recommend certain treatments or products to help you maintain
good oral health.
It is generally recommended to see your dentist every six
months for a regular check-up and cleaning. However, if you are at a higher
risk for gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits. It's
important to keep your dental appointments and to follow the advice of your
dentist to maintain good oral health.
Preventing and treating gum disease
Good oral hygiene practices include:
Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Flossing daily
Using an antiseptic mouthwash
Limiting sugary and acidic foods and drinks
Quitting smoking or using tobacco products
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are also important
for preventing and treating gum disease. During these appointments, your
dentist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of plaque, tartar, and gum
disease. They will also clean your teeth, removing any plaque and tartar that
have built up since your last visit.
If gum disease is diagnosed, your dentist may recommend a
range of treatments, including:
Scaling and root planing, which involves the removal of
plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, and smoothing the root
surfaces of the teeth to prevent bacteria from re-colonizing
Antibiotic therapy, to help fight infection
Surgery, such as flap surgery or bone grafts, to help
restore damaged tissue and bone.
It's also important to address any underlying medical
conditions such as diabetes or HIV that may affect oral health and contribute
to gum disease.
It is important to address gum disease early on, as it is a
major cause of tooth loss in adults and also linked to other health issues such
as heart disease and diabetes. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene
practices can help prevent and manage gum disease.
Receding gums: As the gums become inflamed and infected,
they can pull away from the teeth, exposing the roots and making the teeth
appear longer. This can also increase the risk of tooth decay and sensitivity.
Bone loss: Gum disease can also lead to the loss of
bone in the jaw, which can make the face appear sunken and change the way the
teeth fit together.
Oral infections: Gum disease can also increase the
risk of
Symptoms of gum disease
The symptoms of gum disease can vary depending on the
stage of the condition. Some common symptoms of gum disease include:
Red, swollen, and bleeding gums: The gums may appear puffy
and may bleed when you brush or floss your teeth.
Receding gums: The gums may pull away from the teeth,
exposing more of the tooth and making the teeth appear longer.
Loose or shifting teeth: As the bone and connective
tissue that support the teeth are destroyed, the teeth may become loose or
shift out of place.
Persistent bad breath: Gum disease can cause a
persistent bad taste in the mouth or bad breath.
Pus between the teeth and gums: Gum disease can cause
pockets of pus to form between the teeth and gums.
Changes in bite or the fit of partial dentures
It's important to note that some people may not experience
any symptoms of gum disease until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can help detect and
prevent gum disease.
Early symptoms
exposing more of the tooth and making the teeth
Periodontal (Gum) Disease Research from the NIDCR
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
(NIDCR), a branch of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a leading
organization in the field of periodontal (gum) disease research. The NIDCR
conducts and supports research to understand the causes of periodontal disease,
develop new treatments and therapies, and improve the overall oral health of
the population.
Some of the key areas of research that the NIDCR focuses
on in regards to periodontal disease include:
Understanding the causes of periodontal disease:
Researchers are studying the role of bacteria, genetics, and other factors that
contribute to the development of gum disease.
Developing new treatments and therapies: The NIDCR is
working to develop new treatments for periodontal disease, such as regenerative
therapies that can help repair and rebuild damaged tissue.
Improving oral health: The NIDCR conducts research to
better understand how oral health is linked to overall health, and how to
improve the overall oral health of the population.
Understanding the impact of systemic diseases on periodontal
health: The NIDCR conducts research to better understand the relationship
between periodontal disease and other systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart
disease, and respiratory diseases.
The NIDCR also works to disseminate information about
periodontal disease and oral health to the public and health care professionals
through publications and educational materials.
When to see a dentist
It's generally recommended to see a dentist every six months
for a regular check-up and cleaning. However, you should see a dentist as soon
as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Loose or shifting teeth
Receding gums
Changes in bite or the fit of partial dentures
Pus between the teeth and gums
Pain or discomfort when biting or chewing
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
If you have any of the above symptoms, it's important to see
a dentist as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. Even if
you don't have any symptoms, it's still important to see a dentist regularly to
maintain good oral health and prevent gum disease or other oral health issues.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition such as
diabetes or heart disease, it is important to inform your dentist and they may
recommend more frequent visits.
It's also important to see a dentist right away if you have
any dental emergency such as a broken tooth, severe toothache, or facial
swelling.
Causes of gum disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is caused by
a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of
bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums, and if not removed through regular
brushing and flossing, can harden into tartar.
When plaque and tartar accumulate on the teeth, they
irritate and inflame the gums, causing the early stage of gum disease called
gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, an
advanced stage of gum disease.
The following are some of the main causes of gum disease:
Poor oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly is
essential in keeping the teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Smoking and using tobacco products: These habits can
increase the risk of gum disease and make it harder to treat.
Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to gum
disease due to their genetic makeup.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations such as those
that occur during pregnancy or menopause can make the gums more sensitive and
susceptible to infection.
Medications: Certain medications such as blood
pressure medications and antidepressants can cause dry mouth, which can
increase the risk of gum disease.
Crooked teeth or ill-fitting dental appliances: These
can make it difficult to clean the teeth properly and increase the risk of
plaque and tartar buildup.
Illness such as diabetes or HIV, which can affect the body's
ability to fight infection and make it more susceptible to gum disease.
Poor nutrition: A diet low in vitamins and minerals can
weaken the immune system and make it more difficult to fight off infection.
It's important to note that gum disease is a chronic
condition, which means that it can develop over time and may not show symptoms
until it has progressed significantly. Regular dental check-ups and good oral
hygiene practices can help prevent and manage gum disease.
Treating gum disease
Treatment for gum disease depends on the stage and severity
of the condition. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, eliminate
infection, and prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures of
the teeth.
The following are some common treatments for gum disease:
Scaling and root planing: This is a deep cleaning procedure
that involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum
line, and smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to prevent bacteria from
re-colonizing.
Antibiotic therapy: Antibiotics may be prescribed to help
fight infection and reduce inflammation.
Surgery: In more advanced cases of gum disease,
surgery may be necessary to restore damaged tissue and bone. This can include
flap surgery, bone grafts, and tissue regeneration.
Medications: Topical or systemic antibiotics,
anti-inflammatory drugs and other medications may be prescribed to help control
infection and inflammation.
Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking, eating a healthy
diet, and reducing stress can help improve the health of the gums.
It's important to follow your dentist's or periodontist's
instructions, and keep all follow-up appointments. After treatment, regular
dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices are crucial to maintain the
health of your gums and prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
It's also important to address any underlying medical
conditions that may affect oral health and contribute to gum disease.
Dental treatments
There are a variety of dental treatments available to
help maintain good oral health and treat dental problems. Some of the most
common dental treatments include:
Cleanings: Regular cleanings are an important part of
maintaining good oral health. Dental cleanings involve the removal of plaque
and tartar from the teeth and gums.
Fillings: Fillings are used to repair teeth that have
been damaged by decay. There are several types of fillings available, including
amalgam (silver), composite (tooth-colored), and gold.
Crowns: Crowns, also called caps, are used to restore
teeth that have been severely damaged or decayed. They are made of materials
such as porcelain, metal, or ceramic and are custom-made to fit over the
damaged tooth.
Bridges: Bridges are used to replace missing teeth.
They consist of one or more artificial teeth that are anchored in place by
dental crowns on either side of the gap.
Dentures: Dentures are removable artificial teeth
that are used to replace missing teeth. They can be full or partial, and are
custom-made to fit the individual's mouth.
Root canals: Root canals are used to save teeth that
have become infected or inflamed. During a root canal procedure, the infected
or inflamed tissue is removed from the tooth and the tooth is then sealed to
prevent further infection.
Extractions: Extractions are used to remove teeth
that are damaged or decayed beyond repair.
Orthodontics: Orthodontic treatments are used to
straighten teeth and correct bite problems. This can include traditional braces,
clear aligners, or other appliances.
Periodontics: Periodontic treatments are used to
treat gum disease and other issues related to the gums and supporting
structures of the teeth.
Dental Implants: Dental implants are a permanent
solution for missing teeth. They are a small metal post that is surgically
implanted into the jawbone, where it will support a replacement tooth or
bridge.
It's important to consult with your dentist to determine the
best treatment options for your individual needs.