Gum Disease Exposed!

An infection in the tissue that supports the teeth is called gum disease.

Your teeth are supported by your gums (gingiva). Fibers called periodontal ligaments actually anchor the roots of your teeth. There is a V-shaped gap (sulcus) between your teeth and your gums. Gum disease actually affects this gap. Gum disease means that there is a breakdown in the tissues supporting the teeth. If the breakdown is limited to just the gums, the disease is called gingivitis. If only the periodontal ligaments and bone are involved the disease is called periodontitis.

The enemy of your gums is plaque. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria. You can find plaque on the surface of your teeth before you brush. It also clings to the gum line around each tooth. When plaque produces toxins, that is when the gums and supporting tissues can become damaged.

If you do not remove plaque within 48 hours, it can harden. Hardened plaque is called calculus (tartar). Individuals cannot remove calculus on their own. The only way to remove it is with the help of a dental professional.

When calculus gets below your gum line it can cause inflammation and infection. Usually this is not felt by the individual so they are unaware they have it until they see the dentist.

There are certain factors that can worsen gum disease. These factors are:

Smokers are 2 to 7 times more likely to develop periodontitis than nonsmokers because their immune system slows its response and also has decreased oxygen in the mouth.

The disease, diabetes can worsen periodontal disease because the individual with diabetes often times has poor control over their blood sugar level. This results in poor healing, an increase in the infection and an increase in the bone loss and connective tissue involvement.

Those individuals, whom are under a lot of stress, increase their susceptibility to gum disease because stress increases certain hormones that make them more susceptible to infection.

Pregnancy and the associated hormones make pregnant women susceptible to gum disease for the same reason (hormones).

Birth control pills also increase your hormone levels, therefore those women who take birth control pills increase their chance for gum disease.

Certain medications like those used to fight cancer, control blood pressure, antiseizure medicines and steroids can affect the gum increasing risk of infection. Other drugs are known to decrease the flow of saliva such as antihistamines. A decrease in saliva irritates the mouth, making it prone to infection.

The symptoms of Gingivitis:

Those who have gingivitis may notice that their gums look swollen, and may bleed when they brush their teeth. They may notice that they have bad breath or may have a bad taste in their mouth. You have the power to reverse gingivitis by developing and continuing good tooth brushing and flossing habits.

Those who develop Acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG), which is, advanced gingivitis in that your gums are sore and you have a white membrane on them. ANUG requires that you take antibiotics as treatment for it.

Symptoms of Periodontitis:

You may notice more of your tooth being exposed as your gum draws back and the roots become exposed.

Your teeth may be more sensitive to temperature changes (cold air outside, hot or cold liquids and food). You may also experience more cavities.

The gap between the tooth and the gum deepens. Plaque that gets into this gap is difficult to remove and bacteria then overcome the surrounding structure. When this happens you may notice pus between your teeth. Your teeth may become noticeably loose.