Silent disease "The Gum Disease" most common yet most ignored

Gum disease is prominent and most commonly affecting disease irrespective of age. It is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth.  Oral cavity contains variety of bacteria. These bacteria build plaque, an invisible sticky, colorless layer of germs on the teeth. These bacteria form toxins that irritate and damage the gums. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist can help remove tartar.

Stages of progression of gum disease

The three stages of gum disease — from least to most severe — are gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis.

Simple way to understand and control gum disease.

Plaque a substance which helps bacteria to adhere to tooth, thus bacteria the cause for the disease is in close vicinity to gums. The bacterial toxins continuously leaches in soft tissue (gums), and it causes progression of inflammation and infection. Gums become reddened, swollen and detached from tooth surface. This stage is commonly called “Gingivitis”

This detachment and pseudo enlargement of gums creates a space for food and debris lodgment which creates inaccessible area for proper hygiene maintenance, there by deteriorating the reversible form of disease to potentially irreversibly. This is called as pocket formation, a space formed between tooth and gums. The sign and symptom is characterized by bleeding on brushing and pain.

Succession of disease to permanent damage stage

If still professional help is not taken then condition worsens to loss of tooth supporting tissue and bone, thus weakening tooth support. This stage is officially called as “Periodontitis”

Progression to Advanced periodontitis.

It’s an advanced stage where there is an appreciable destruction of supporting fibers and bone, which transforms to visible tooth mobility and gums recession. This is the stage where there is a clear need for the surgical treatment depending upon the amount loss of supporting structure, if unrestorable condition persists then tooth removal is the final choice.

Co-relation between gum disease and medical issues

·    Atherosclerosis and heart disease — Gum disease may increase the risk of clogged arteries and heart disease. It also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.

·     Stroke — Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke that is caused by blocked arteries.

·     Premature births — A woman who has gum disease during pregnancy may be more likely to deliver her baby too early. The infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

·      Diabetes — Diabetic patients with periodontal disease may have more trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetic patients with healthy gums.

·      Respiratory disease — Bacteria involved in gum disease may cause lung infections or worsen existing lung conditions. This is particularly important for elderly adults in institutions such as nursing homes. In this group, bacteria from the mouth may reach the lungs and may cause severe pneumonia.

Risks and Prevention

The bacteria in plaque are the main cause of periodontal disease. But several other factors also can contribute. They include other diseases, medicines and oral habits. These factors can increase your risk of gum disease or make it worse once the infection has set in.

·         Genetic susceptibility-- Some people are more prone to severe gum disease than others

·         Smoking and tobacco use

·         Misaligned or crowded teeth, braces or bridgework

·         Grinding, clenching of teeth

·      Stress — Stress can make periodontal disease worse and harder to treat. Stress weakens your body's immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight off infection, including periodontal disease.

·      Fluctuating hormones — Whenever hormone levels go up and down in the body, changes can occur in the mouth. Puberty and pregnancy can temporarily increase the risk and severity of gum disease. So can menopause.

·       Medicines — Several types of medicines can cause dry mouth, or xerostomia. This may lead to tooth decay (cavities). Other medicines may cause the gums to enlarge. This makes them more likely to trap plaque.

·     Diseases — People with certain diseases have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease. For example, people with diabetes are more likely to get periodontitis than people without diabetes. Their gum disease is also likely to be more severe. Other diseases that increase periodontal disease risk include inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and HIV infection. Having one of these diseases can make the control of your periodontal disease more difficult. But a good dentist who is aware of these problems can give you guidance on how to maintain your periodontal health.

·     Poor nutrition — Nutrition is important for overall good health, including a working immune system and healthy gums and mouth. Severe vitamin C deficiency (scurvy) can cause bleeding gums.