Most people don’t realize it, but more than 75% of American adults over the age of 35 have some form of periodontal (gum) disease.  This isn’t good news since statistics show that only 50% of the population visits the dentist on a regular basis.  Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth and is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.  I often compare periodontal disease to high blood pressure – unless you have it checked, you don’t know you have a problem until the advanced stages.  The reason being that gum disease is typically painless until it has progressed to a point where treatment has lower chances of being successful.

Periodontal disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth.  If we took plaque from anyone’s mouth and looked at it under a microscope it would be swimming around!  I know that’s a pleasant thought, but the bacteria produce toxins (poisons) that, if left along the gumline, can irritate and damage the gums.  The toxins cause breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more toxins and bacteria.

In the early stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and bleed easily.  At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated with a thorough hygiene appointment and daily brushing and flossing.

In more advanced stages of the disease, called periodontitis, the pockets extend deeper as bacteria moves down the root of the tooth until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed.  The teeth can become loose, abscess, fall out or have to be removed.  Not a pleasant experience!

Even though pain isn’t associated with the disease until the latter stages, there are warning signs that you should look for.  If you notice any of the following see your dentist as soon as possible:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth.
• Bad breath that doesn’t go away
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Loose teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of a removable partial denture

Some patients are more susceptible to periodontal disease because of other factors besides plaque.  Genetics plays a role as do lifestyle choices.  A diet low in nutrients can diminish the body’s ability to fight the infection.  Tobacco users have more irritation to gum tissues than non-tobacco users and are more vulnerable to developing periodontal disease.  Stress can also affect the ability to ward off disease.  Diseases that interfere with the body’s immune system such as leukemia and AIDS, may worsen the condition of the gums.  In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, where the body is more prone to infection, gum disease is more severe and harder to control.

To top it all off, researchers have found links between periodontal infections and other health related matters throughout the body such as heart disease, stroke and low-birth weight babies.  I strongly feel that the health of the mouth is a reflection of your overall health. 

The good news is that periodontal disease, in most cases, is preventable.  Remember, even with all factors considered, the disease is caused by plaque buildup.  If you remove the plaque daily with thorough brushing and flossing, you minimize your chances of developing the disease.  Eating a balanced diet will not only improve your overall health, but also your ability to ward off the disease.  Since you don’t experience pain in the early stages it is wise to visit your dentist on a regular basis where they can evaluate the health of your gums for any concerns and provide you with a professional cleaning.  Periodontal disease should always be taken seriously.  If you are among the 50% that don’t see the dentist on a regular basis, you may want to reconsider – for your mouth’s sake!