Gum Disease

Gum disease is the leading reason that people lose teeth, especially older individuals. It is also referred to as periodontitis or periodontal disease. As the name periodontitis implies, this is an inflammation of the tissues around a tooth. A related condition that often portends the onset of gum disease is gingivitis, which is a bacterial infection affecting the tissues of the mouth. Gingivitis is reversible if caught in its early stages and treated properly by good oral hygiene practices. If not treated it usually leads to gum disease which is a more serious condition that cannot be treated without surgery. Gingivitis has also been associated with diabetes, heart disease and strokes in various medical studies. Gum disease causes toxins to be produced which damage the bone and connective tissues of teeth, and this can lead to the loss of teeth.

People can have gingivitis or gum disease without even knowing it because these conditions are not painful. Gum disease has a number of causes. First among these is a lack of proper dental hygiene, including flossing and brushing each day to remove dental plaque, as well as other practices like having checkups and teeth cleaning by a hygienist twice a year. Other causes include the presence of certain medical conditions, especially those that affect the ability of the body to produce sugars, like kidney disease or diabetes.

Certain medications taken to treat other conditions can contribute to the onset of gum disease. Some medications can contribute to dry mouth syndrome, and this can be a particular problem for seniors because to some extent they are more susceptible to having dry mouth syndrome just from normal aging. Changes in the body that occur in pregnancy, in puberty or during menopause can also be contributors.

Some common signs of gum disease include gums that are red or swollen or that bleed when brushing teeth, loose teeth, teeth that appear to have shifted, and bad breath.

Gum disease can become a very serious condition that undermines overall health. There is no substitute for proper dental care each day. It only takes a few minutes to floss teeth, brush them at least twice a day and to have regular dental checkups and cleaning by a hygienist. For most people these efforts will keep any dental problems under control. Another excellent practice is to use a WaterPik® machine which will clean teeth and especially will exercise the gums and keep them healthy.