Dental Care: Healthy Gums

Much like the foundation for a house, healthy gums are the foundation for your teeth, providing the support needed for your teeth to function as they should. Unhealthy gums are like having termites in the foundation of a house; everything seems fine, but the damage is being done in places that can’t be seen by the naked eye.

Healthy gums are light pink in color, or darker for people with darker complexions. Healthy gums are dotted, much like the surface of an orange, are not swollen or tender and don’t bleed when brushing or flossing.

On the other hand, a person with gum disease might notice:
• Gums that are swollen, red, or tender
• Gums that bleed when teeth are brushed or flossed
• Gums that have receded, or pulled away from the teeth
• Infection or pus between the teeth and gums
• Loose permanent teeth or drifting teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when chewing
• Persistent bad breath

Gum disease starts when plaque and tartar accumulate at the base of your teeth. The bacteria in the plaque leads to an infection in the gums called gingivitis, which left untreated, spreads to the tissue and bone that holds your teeth in place. This condition is called Periodontitis or Pyorrhea. According to the American Dental Association, 60% of adults in the United States have moderate to severe gum disease!

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss among adults. However, according to the American Heart Association and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a more important factor is the infection releasing toxins into the bloodstream which can lead to serious health risks such as:

• Heart disease. Many studies show a link between gum disease and heart disease. One study indicates that the risk of fatal heart disease is twice as high for those with gum disease.
• Stroke. A study of over 800 stroke victims indicates that advanced gum disease can increase the risk for stroke by 50% in adults aged 25 to 54.
• Diabetes. Type II diabetics are three times more likely to develop gum disease (20 times if they smoke). Gum disease disrupts glycemic control. Therefore, type II diabetics are not only at risk for gum disease, but gum disease aggravates their diabetes.
• Preterm birth. The latest research shows that pregnant women with severe gum disease are seven times more likely to have a premature baby.

Patients with gum disease often require specialized treatment which can slow or stop its progression. Just as there are different stages of gum disease, there are different levels of treatment.
• Scaling and root planing is a common non-surgical treatment for gum disease and is often referred to as “deep cleaning.” Using special instruments, the dentist removes bacteria and infection from the unhealthy deep pockets around the teeth below the gum line.
• Prescription mouth rinse may be prescribed by your dentist for use between visits. This mouth rinse reduces the redness, swelling and bleeding of gums caused by gingivitis.

Even the best brushers in the world will build up tartar on their teeth. The best defenses against gum disease are prevention and early detection. Be sure to brush and floss daily, visit your dentist regularly, and follow your dentist’s instructions for any special needs you may have. Patients with gum disease, or patients that build up large amounts of tartar, may need to have their teeth cleaned more frequently to help control the amount of bacteria in the mouth.