Introduction
If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you’re not alone. Many adults in the Kenya currently have some form of the disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious diseases that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.
Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this point forward.
What causes gum disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colourless “plaque” on teeth. 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 or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
Gingivitis
The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.” In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth.”) In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called “pockets” that become infected.
Who gets gum disease?
Close to 90% of the adult population is affected.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
You have gum disease if you have some of these problems:-
- Bad breath that won’t go away
- Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or use a tooth pick between the teeth
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender or bleeding gums
- Painful chewing
- Loose or separating teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums or longer appearing teeth
Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist.
How is gum disease treated?
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- Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home.
- Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing). Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing on the other hand, means surgically exposing the roots of affected teeth and cleaning tartar in hidden or hard to reach areas. Medication may be indicated in both types of procedure.
How can I keep my teeth and gums healthy?
- Brush your teeth twice a day.
- Floss regularly to remove plaque from between teeth. Or use a device such as a special brush or wooden or plastic pick recommended by a dental professional.
- Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning.
- Don’t smoke
Can gum disease cause health problems beyond the mouth?
In some studies, researchers have observed that people with gum disease (when compared to people without gum disease) were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar. Other studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums, to deliver pre-term, low birth weight babies. But so far, it has not been conclusively determined whether gum disease is the cause of these conditions.