Gum health can affect overall health
Gingivitis (inflammation of the gum) is the mildest in a range of problems that can affect the gums, collectively known as periodontal disease. Gingivitis, while often mild, can progress to deep-seated infection if left untreated. This can also increase your risk for more serious, even life-threatening, health conditions.
According to the Auckland Dental Association, approximately 80% of people over 15 years of age have some form of gum disease. It’s important to know the signs and to act early to minimise any damaging effects on your health.
Symptoms of gingivitis
It can be easy to overlook mild gingivitis. Look out for the following symptoms:
- red gums, with or without swelling
- bleeding when brushing or flossing
- tenderness
- bad breath (halitosis).
Causes of gingivitis
Gingivitis develops in the presence of plaque – a clear slime of bacteria that sits on your teeth producing toxins that damage your gums and acids that damage your teeth.
Inflammation is the body’s response to infection, injury or irritation. The soft tissues of the gums swell due to an increasing flow of blood, fluids and antibodies to fight the bacteria around the teeth. If inflammation continues for a long time, this causes damage to the gums themselves.
Factors that increase your risk of gingivitis:
- poor oral hygiene
- smoking
- diabetes
- decreased immunity
- dry mouth
- certain hormonal changes, such as in pregnancy.
Prevention of gum disease
Good oral care is fundamental to the prevention of gum disease, along with a healthy diet and regular visits to your dentist.
Treatments for gingivitis
Mild gum disease can be treated with a combination of good home oral care to remove plaque and visits to the dentist or dental hygienist to remove its hardened form, calculus or tartar, from above and below the gum line.
Gingivitis can progress to more serious conditions
If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to more deep-seated inflammation and infections in the mouth.
Over time, periodontal disease can destroy the ligaments and bone holding teeth securely in place so that they become loose and teeth may eventually fall out.
- Periodontitis is the inflammation of deeper soft tissues around the teeth.
- Acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis is a condition that causes pain, tissue loss and foul breath.
As well as affecting our oral health, gum disease is now linked to our general health. People with chronic periodontal disease have also been found to have a higher risk of:
Treatments for more serious periodontal disease
More serious infections may require several visits to the dentist and restorative treatments for any lost gum tissue, ligament, bone or teeth.
If you have periodontal disease you may be referred to a periodontist for additional care.
If you have any concerns about your oral health, the first port of call should be your dentist. The earlier you visit, the better your chances of preventing serious health problems.
Original material prepared by everybody. Reviewed in October 2009.
top