Oral Health Advice
What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?
Periodontal diseases include conditions called gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums (bleeding and swelling). Periodontitis is an infection, which causes destruction of the tissues which hold the teeth in place (gum, bone, and ligament) and can lead to tooth loss.
How do you know if you have a periodontal disease?
-
A bad taste in your mouth and or bad breath
-
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
-
Red, swollen, and or tender gums
-
Teeth that appear longer because your gums have receded
-
Gum boils or abscesses
-
Teeth that feel loose
-
Spaces unexpectedly developing between your teeth
Periodontal disease is generally a painless condition. Therefore, you may be unaware of its presence in your mouth, but your dentist will examine you for this condition.
Back To Top
What causes Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is caused by a buildup of bacterial dental plaque. This is a soft, colorless film of bacteria, which forms daily on the tooth surface. Toxic substances from the bacteria enter the gums and cause a reaction (inflammation).
-
Dental plaque can be controlled by good oral hygiene (tooth brushing and cleaning in-between the teeth).
-
If dental plaque is not removed, it may become a hard material – calculus (tartar).
Back to top
Risk factors for Periodontal Disease
If you do not brush and floss regularly, you are more likely to get periodontal disease, no matter what your age is or the general state of your health. However, there are other factors that may place you at increased risk of developing periodontitis.
Back to top
Local risk factors (mainly associated with dental plaque buildup)
-
Poor personal oral hygiene and/or irregular visits to your dentist/dental hygienist
-
Smoking- causing dry mouth and tooth staining
-
Roughness on teeth where bacteria grow i.e. calculus (tartar), fillings
-
Uneven teeth (crooked or misaligned teeth)
-
Breathing through your mouth instead of your nose.
Back to top
Systemic Risk Factors – Generally Related to Your Body
-
An individual person’s immune response (the body’s ability to fight infection – in this case plaque bacteria) may leave one person at greater risk of disease than another person
-
Previous history of periodontal disease
-
Increasing age – Periodontitis becomes more common with advanced age
-
Genetic, inherited or a family history of periodontal disease
-
Smoking cigarettes reduces blood flow to the gums, thereby increasing the severity of periodontal disease
-
Stress
-
Diabetes or a history of diabetes in the family
-
Blood diseases – acute leukemia, AIDS
-
Hormonal changes
back to top
Other information on periodontal disease
Healthy Gums
Appear as pink gums, which do not bleed on brushing. Regular visits to the dentist are important for early detection of periodontal disease.
Inflamed Gums – Gingivitis
-
This is caused by a buildup of dental plaque, resulting from inadequate tooth cleaning, especially near the gum margin.
-
The gums become red or bleed on brushing. There is usually no discomfort.
-
Gingivitis is a reversible condition if professional treatment and good oral home care are carried out.
Diseased Gums – Periodontitis
-
Toxic substances produced by plaque bacteria spread below the gum damaging the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place.
-
As a consequence of the tissue destruction, the gum recedes or a “pocket” forms below the gum line trapping plaque bacteria.
-
Periodontitis can be in three categories: mild, moderate or severe. This is determined by the level of bone destruction.
-
Your teeth may become longer, loose, or develop spaces in between.
-
The tissue damage is irreversible. However, appropriate treatment can help prevent further progression of the disease.
Treatment of Periodontal disease
Successful treatment of your periodontal disease is dependent on YOUR oral homecare – effective brushing & cleaning in between your teeth. The main aim is to control the cause of the disease; this includes the following:
-
Oral hygiene instruction and personal plaque control i.e. the correct method for brushing and cleaning in-between your teeth.
-
You will be encouraged to quit smoking.
-
Your dentist or dental hygienist will scale and polish your teeth to remove the plaque and calculus (tartar).
-
When the root of the tooth requires cleaning, it is normally done under a local anesthetic for your comfort.
-
Periodontal surgery may be required in certain cases.
-
Regular follow-up and care is essential in the long-term management of the periodontal condition.
-
If the destruction to the bone supporting the tooth is too severe, tooth extraction may be the treatment.
Tips for a Healthy Mouth
-
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day.
-
Use a toothbrush with a small head and soft bristles.
-
Change your toothbrush every three months.
-
Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental toothbrushes every day.
-
Avoid sugary snacks between meals.
-
Do not smoke.
-
Visit your own dentist and dental hygienist regularly.
Cleaning Method for Healthy Teeth and Gums
It is good to have a plan when you start brushing, so that no tooth surface is left untreated. The upper and lower teeth should be brushed separately. Start at one side and work your way around all the outside surfaces, brushing two teeth at time, and then move on to the next two. Then brush all the inside surfaces in the same manner.
The use of a small pea size amount of a toothpaste containing fluoride is recommended every time you brush. It is important not to scrub, as this can cause damage to the gums, and increase the risk of your gums receding. A short back and forward motion or small circular strokes are recommended. The bristles should be placed firmly enough against the tooth so that they splay out and go into the cuff of the gum, but not so firmly that the bristles are flattened against the tooth.
It helps to hold the toothbrush in an upright horizontal standing position when cleaning the inside of the front teeth because of the dental arch curves. Lastly, the biting surfaces where you chew your food, need to be cleaned. These surfaces can be scrubbed, as the gum is not affected, and the crevices and grooves on the tops of the teeth can hold food debris and plaque. This process should take two to three minutes. More time should be taken with teeth that are crooked or out of line.
It is important to be aware that the spaces in between the teeth need to be cleaned with a kind of inter-dental cleaner. The toothbrush does not reach this surface. These can be inter-dental brushes, dental floss or tape, or soft wooden sticks. Each person should be advised about the most suitable use.
Back to top