Good hygiene care is the basis of all good dental care, and is important for general well-being. There are proven links between healthy gums, healthy teeth and mouth, and a healthy body. Gum disease, or periodontitis, is associated with other systemic diseases such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes.
Dentists have much better outcomes when we can place our restorations in a healthy clean environment, rather than in tissue infected with bacteria, and accumulated plaque and tartar.
The benefits of healthy gums:
- Healthy gums give a natural taste to food and drinks.
- No mouth odour – easier on your friends.
- Teeth for life.
- General health is better.
Gum Disease
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums, and a major cause of tooth loss. It strikes 8 out of 10 New Zealand adults, but there are simple steps you can take to avoid it.
Gingivitis
The earliest stage of gum disease, gingivitis, is a bacterial infection that develops when bio-film plaque builds up around the necks of your teeth. It causes the gum tissue to swell, turn red and bleed easily when brushing or flossing. The mouth develops a smelly odour.
Periodontal disease
When left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease. As the bone and tissues surrounding the teeth deteriorate, a gum pocket forms around the tooth. This becomes infected, which in turn destroys more bone and tissue.
Does bone loss lead to tooth loss?
If bone loss is diagnosed during a regular visit to your dentist or hygienist, the levels of bone support can be assessed with the help of x-rays, and treatment can be recommended to restore health to the foundations of your teeth.
Gum disease symptoms
You may have gum disease if you notice that:
- Gums bleed on brushing.
- Gums are red and puffy.
- You can’t get rid of bad breath.
- Your gums pull away from the teeth.
- Your teeth are loose or separating.
Am I at risk?
Most people suffer mild gingivitis or worse at some stage of their life.
Young people
Gingivitis is common in school-aged children. As they grow older, changing hormones during puberty, smoking, drinking alcohol, increased caffeine intake and recreational drugs can all impact on the health of their gums.
Adults
Nearly three quarters of Kiwis over the age of 15 develop gingivitis, while half of those aged 35 – 44 suffer from periodontitis. Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults 35 and older.
Pregnant women
Changing hormones during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of gum problems. Studies have also shown that pregnant women with periodontitis face an increased risk of preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder that can lead to low birth weight deliveries. Women are more prone to gingivitis during menstruation.
Smokers
Smokers are two to three times more likely to suffer periodontitis.
Diabetes
People with diabetes are much more likely to suffer periodontitis too.
Artery disease
Chronic gum disease has been established as a contributory factor in thickening arteries, which cause heart disease.
Can I prevent gum disease?
Yes you can, by using the correct brushing and flossing techniques (in addition to regular dental examinations). Ask your dental health professional for a demonstration.
Brushing
Proper brushing morning and night takes at least two minutes. That means spending 30 seconds on each section of your mouth (upper right and left, lower right and left). Use fluoride toothpaste and avoid tooth-wear at the gum-line by using a SOFT toothbrush in a gentle circular motion. Brush your tongue too.
Flossing
Clean between teeth daily to remove the plaque from areas your toothbrush can’t reach. Don’t worry if your gums bleed at first as this is quite common. After a few days of flossing, any bleeding should stop.
Saliva and sugar-free gum
Saliva neutralises harmful acid produced by bacteria in the mouth every time we eat, and it flushes out the remains of food from around the teeth. Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates the flow of saliva, speeding up acid neutralisation and reducing the length of time the teeth are at risk from acid attack.