Gum Disease - Be on Guard!
Dr. Holton is a dentist who is committed to improving dental health in the Portsmouth community. Understanding gum disease is an important first step.
The mouth, as the gateway to the body, is constantly attacked by invaders - viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection in the mouth that destroys the portion of the jawbone that holds your teeth in place. Periodontal disease not only robs you of your teeth, it can destroy your health as well. Bacteria from the gum tissue enters the bloodstream, and can destroy immune cells, as well as travel to organs in the body. If these cells or organs are compromised, damage or disease can occur to the body. "We found the mouth can be a major source of chronic or permanent release of toxic bacterial components in the bloodstream during normal oral functions," said Dr. E.H. Rompen, who directed a recent study of periodontal disease.
Unlike most diseases that give us early warning signs, gum disease progresses silently, often without pain. In fact, most people who have this disease do not even realize it unless their dentist diagnoses it. It may develop slowly or progress quite rapidly. After the age of 35, three out of four people have gum disease. A multitude of bacteria are busy in our mouths, day and night, while we sleep. With gum disease, the best defense is a good offense.
Gum Disease Contributes to Several Diseases
An infection in the mouth can affect the overall health and have serious systemic (general body) effects. Like other infections, the bacterial cells that cause periodontal disease, or their toxic products, can enter the blood system and affect other organs. Several studies confirm that people with gum disease are at greater risk of various diseases affecting the entire body. Bacteria that causes gum disease has been shown to contribute to:
- Heart disease/Heart attacks
- Diabetes
- A higher risk of delivering premature, low-birth-weight infants
- Infective endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease
- Respiratory disease
- A weakened immune system that can slow healing of wounds and reduce a person’s response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines.
- Tooth loss
Many Diseases Can be Detected Through Routine Oral Exams
Dentists are now serving as disease detectives for their patients. Roger Smith, DDS states, "More than 120 disease signs and symptoms can now be detected through a routine oral exam. Regular dental checkups are more important than ever, not only for oral health but for general well being." Oral cancer is just one of many conditions that can be spotted through routine dental exams. As examples: Bad breath and bleeding gums are often indicators of Type 2 diabetes. 44 million Americans are at risk for osteoporosis; dental X-Rays may show the first stages of bone loss. Heart disease is the #1 killer of Americans. A sore and painful jaw should send a warning signal to older people that a heart attack is possible.
Gum disease is curable if caught early. It can be arrested and controlled even if it has advanced beyond the first stages. Dr. Robert Holt, a periodontist with the Florida Institute for Periodontics & Dental Implants, states, "In the past, periodontal (gum) disease was just considered a mouth infection. But it's not just a mouth infection anymore. Researchers have discovered correlations between periodontal disease and chronic medical conditions. Now, more than ever, people have solid reasons for taking care of their teeth and gums."
American Dental Association Early Warning Signs of
Gum Disease
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
- Gums that are red, swollen or tender
- Pus when gums are pressed
- Permanent teeth that are loose
- Change in the way your teeth fit together when biting
- Any changes in fit of dentures
- Persistent bad breath
Any of these are symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease eats away the portion of the jawbone that supports your teeth.
