Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 2008)
TOPIC: Floss and Gain
Healthy gums critical to overall health
 
by kathy hayes

 Are you among the 4 out of 5 Americans believed to have some form of gum disease? Unless you’ve been to your dentist lately to find out, you might not even know.

Typically, there is little or no discomfort with gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease. But left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease – a chronic bacterial infection that attacks bone and connective tissue holding teeth in place.

“People can lose healthy teeth due to bone loss caused by periodontal disease,” says Bev Sleight, a dental hygienist with the Health District.

That’s not all. New research suggests that periodontal disease may be linked to other serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke; increased risk of delivering preterm, low birth weight babies; and, for diabetics, greater difficulty managing blood sugar levels.

“Everyone is a candidate for gum disease,” says Dr. Lloyd Thomas, a local periodontist. He adds that pregnancy and hormonal changes can aggravate existing gum problems. Genetics, stress, tobacco use, teeth grinding and clenching, poor nutrition, diabetes and certain medications also increase gum disease risk.
Lower Your Gum Disease Risk

“I can’t emphasize enough the importance of seeing your dentist regularly and practicing good daily home care,” says Dr. Leslie Paris, a local periodontist. From this day forward, you can lower your risk for gum disease and maintain healthy teeth and gums through conscientious self-care:
  • Brush your teeth each morning and evening using a toothpaste with fluoride and a soft bristle brush or electric toothbrush
  • Floss daily, preferably around the same time each day
  • Visit the dentist at least twice a year for a professional check-up and cleaning
  • Eat a well balanced diet
  • Don’t use tobacco products.

Gum disease starts with plaque, and there’s no getting away from it. Our bodies continually produce this sticky, colorless substance that forms on teeth every day. You can remove most plaque with daily flossing and brushing, but plaque that isn’t removed hardens into bacteria-harboring tartar that can’t be brushed or flossed away.

Only a dentist or hygienist can remove tartar from teeth.

“Tartar sets up a chronic infection and acts as a constant irritant, like having a sliver in your mouth,” says Sleight “A hygienist can remove the tartar if it hasn’t gone below the gum line. But if bone loss occurred, a deeper cleaning may be required.” Seeing your dentist or hygienist regularly and maintaining good daily brushing and flossing habits can reverse gingivitis and restore gums to good health.

Neglecting gingivitis, however, can lead to more serious problems.

Periodontal disease, or periodontitis, occurs when tartar grows beneath the gum line, causing gums to separate from the teeth and form pockets that are infected. As the body’s immune system fights the infection, bone and tissue deteriorate, and tooth loss may occur.

While symptoms of this destruction, including swelling, redness and bleeding of the gums, are often very mild, more aggressive treatment and, possibly, surgery are required to treat the infection and prevent further bone and tissue corrosion.

The good news, says Thomas, “is patients are more informed about oral health these days. As this knowledge becomes more commonplace, people will take their teeth and gums more seriously.”