Gum disease is one of the biggest threats to our dental and wider health. Affecting as many as 42% of the current adult U.S. population at this time and likely to affect all of us at some point in our life, this progressive condition occurs when the clear, sticky film that consistently coats our teeth, called plaque, spreads onto the gum tissue. This plaque contains high levels of bacteria and these bacteria cause our gums to become inflamed and irritated. As the bacteria reproduce, the effects become more severe until infection sets in. Eventually, this infection spreads throughout the mouth and jaw, destroying the structures responsible for holding our teeth in place.

Many people are unaware that there is also a direct link between gum disease and our wider health. Studies have found that the majority of patients who develop chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure are more likely to also be suffering from gum disease. In addition, gum disease has been linked to stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.

 

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Gum disease tends to develop very slowly, and the initial symptoms of the condition are easily overlooked. However, as the condition progresses the symptoms become more pronounced and difficult to ignore.

Early symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen and sore gums and they may bleed when you brush your teeth, floss or even if you eat things that are particularly tough or chewy.

If your gum disease progresses beyond the earliest stage, you may experience a range of other debilitating symptoms. These include:
 

- Persistently bad breath

- Dental pain

- The gums will start to pull away from the teeth meaning that you may feel that your teeth look longer than they did previously

- You may notice gaps forming between your teeth and gums – these are called periodontal pockets

-  Abscesses and obvious infection around specific teeth

Finally, in the most serious and advanced stages of the disease, patients could expect to see issues including:

- Teeth moving around in the mouth, causing gaps to develop between them

- Teeth becoming loose

- Teeth falling out

- Any dentures that they have may no longer fit properly and feel loose or uncomfortable

 

Am I at risk of gum disease?

Anyone can develop gum disease, but there are some things that can put a patient at greater risk of doing so. If any of the following apply to you, your risk of gum disease could be increased, and you should speak to your dentist about what steps you can take to keep it at bay.
 

- A diagnosis of diabetes

- A compromised immune system

- Taking medications which list dry mouth as a side effect

- Pregnancy and menopause

- Hormonal imbalances

- Smoking

Regular visits to your dentist will enable them to assess the health and condition of your gums as well as your teeth. If there are any signs that you may be developing gum disease, they will be able to give you advice on the steps that you can take to reverse the condition. This can include professional dental cleans, changing to an electric toothbrush and improving your flossing technique.

If you would like more information about gum disease, or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact our experienced dental team.