The Truth About Gum Disease: Bad Breath and Oral Health
Ashwani Prabhai
Dental Hygienist
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and supporting structures of our teeth. It occurs when bacteria in the mouth build up and form plaque, a sticky film that can harden into tartar if not removed through regular brushing and flossing. This buildup of plaque and tartar irritates the gums, causing inflammation and potentially leading to gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease which is also the most common. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease characterised by the breakdown of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
WHAT CAUSES GUM DISEASE?
Gum disease typically begins when bacteria accumulate in the mouth. These bacteria mix with mucus and food particles, forming a sticky film called plaque on the teeth. If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar, providing a breeding ground for more bacteria.
These bacteria release toxins that irritate the gums, causing inflammation, and leading to symptoms like swollen and bleeding gums. If left untreated, these toxins can penetrate the bone supporting the teeth, triggering the body’s inflammatory response and potentially leading to bone loss, which can manifest visually as a perceived increase in tooth length due to gum recession. Over time, this bone loss can also cause teeth to become loose and may even result in tooth loss. Along with poor oral hygiene, factors such as smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, genetics, and a weakened immune system can contribute to gum disease.
WHAT BACTERIA IS HARBOURING IN THE MOUTH?
Dental plaque, a sticky film consisting of bacteria, adheres to the surface of your teeth, posing a risk for dental decay and gum disease if not eliminated daily. Diligent oral hygiene practices such as twice-daily proper toothbrushing and daily flossing can effectively remove dental plaque. However, when plaque is not removed regularly, it hardens into tartar, also known as tooth stones. Once tartar forms, it cannot be removed by regular tooth brushing alone and requires professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. To maintain healthy gums and teeth, it’s advisable to schedule routine check-ups and cleanings every six months. These preventive measures help to ensure optimal oral health and reduce the risk of dental issues down the road.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE
- Swollen/ puffy/ reddish/ tender/ bleeding gums
- Gum recession
- Black spaces forming between teeth
- Pus exuding from gum
- Halitosis (bad breath)
- Shaky teeth
- Painful when chewing food (teeth that feel achy or even painful while chewing on food)
RISK FACTORS OF GUM DISEASE
Various risk factors can contribute to the development and progression of gum disease. It’s crucial to discuss these potential factors with your dental care provider for accurate classification and to establish an appropriate treatment plan.
- Age
- Smoking/Tobacco Use
It can impact gum repair or healing. - Genetics
Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to gum disease, regardless of their diligent oral care habits. - Stress
Can weaken the body’s ability to fight off infections, including gum diseases. - Medications
Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, antidepressants, and heart medicines, can impact oral health. It’s essential to inform your dental care provider about all medications you’re taking - Teeth Clenching or Grinding
Excessive teeth clenching or grinding can exert additional force on the supporting tissues of the teeth, accelerating the destruction of periodontal tissues. - Other Systemic Diseases
Conditions that affect the body’s inflammatory system may worsen gum health. Studies have found connections between gum disease and conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis. - Poor Nutrition or Obesity
A diet lacking essential nutrients can weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to combat infections, including gum disease.
By addressing these risk factors and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can help prevent or manage periodontal disease effectively.
HOW TO TREAT GUM DISEASE?
- 6-monthly dental appointments
- Routine dental visits for dental check-ups and cleaning with yearly radiographs (X-rays) to identify cavities or bone loss associated with gum disease.
- For patients with limited dexterity and/or those prone to gum disease, we advise more frequent dental visits every 3-4 months, with aids like an electric toothbrush and WaterPik to supplement the usual tooth brushing and flossing.
- Gum treatment
- Deep cleaning with an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments under local anaesthesia.
- Maintenance after gum treatment:
- To monitor your gum health and ensure that any signs of gum disease relapse are detected as early as possible, with regular dental visits, initially 3 months, then progressively moved to 6 months as the gum disease becomes controlled.
- Surgical intervention (by gum specialist)
- Surgically remove any hidden tartar below the gums or perform procedures such as guided tissue/bone regeneration (surgically “grow” bones) to add support for applicable teeth.
HOW TO PREVENT GUM DISEASE?
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Or, you can use ‘between-the-teeth’ aids such as interdental brushes or Floss Sticks or a WaterPik recommended by a dental professional.
- Visit your dentist/ dental hygienist for routine check-ups and professional dental cleaning.
- Quitting smoking, eating healthier and taking care of yourself!
We hope that with this information, you will have a better understanding of what gum disease is about and what you can do at home to maintain your teeth and gums at optimal health so that you can enjoy your food with a healthy smile all your life.
Source: American Academy of Periodontology
