Gum Disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Gum disease or gingivitis is a common disease of the gum (gingiva) usually caused by bacterial infection. The earliest manifestation of gum disease is gingivitis, which is characterized by gum inflammation. If gingivitis is left untreated for an extended period, it can become a more serious condition called periodontitis, even leading to tooth loss.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the most common dental problem that makes someone visit a dentist. It is usually caused by improper tooth cleaning, poor oral hygiene, and irregular tooth brushing. Gum has a natural attachment to the tooth surface at the gum margin. Food and saliva can get trapped on the gum margin after eating. Bacteria eventually grow there, creating a thin, soft, whitish film called plaque. If it is not cleaned properly, it can harden and turn into tartar or calculus. Sooner or later, plaque overgrowth extends beyond the gum margin and the gingivitis develops.
The features of gingivitis include –
• Gum swelling and redness
• Tenderness
• Gum bleeding on brushing or flossing
• Bad breath
Periodontitis
When gingivitis is left untreated, it can turn into a more serious type of bacterial infection called periodontitis. The term periodontitis indicates inflammation of periodontal (structures around the tooth) tissues, which include the gum, periodontal ligament, tooth supporting bone, and cementum (the structure covering the tooth root surface). The gum attachment loosens to create a pocket between the gum and tooth. Gradually, the infection extends deep to the root surface, leading to tissue and bone loss. The affected tooth develops sensitivity, becomes mobile, and in the worst case, it can fall out.
The features of periodontitis include –
• Gum swelling and redness
• Gum bleeding
• Gum recession (retreat of gum margin towards the root of the tooth)
• Tooth sensitivity to cold water or air
• Tooth mobility or loose tooth
• Bad breath
• Uncomfortable bite or pain during biting
• Loss of tooth
Relevant factors
There are certain medical conditions like diabetes, pregnancy, stroke, hormonal changes, vitamin C deficiency etc, which can induce gum disease. Some drugs like steroids, oral contraceptives, anticancer drugs etc. can compromise the host immunity, thus leading to gum disease. Chewing habits like pan chewing, tobacco (gul) chewing, and smoking also have adverse effects on the gum. These habits can induce gum disease and worsen the condition. Moreover, patients who have poorly aligned teeth frequently develop gingivitis and dental caries.
What to do
If someone develops gum disease, it is important to see a dentist early. The damage is less in the early stage and it can be cured easily. However, if the disease progresses to an advanced stage, the loss is remarkable and can’t be reversed.
The treatment options include –
• Scaling and polishing – cleaning of the tooth by removal of the calculus and polishing of the tooth surface
• Root planning – cleaning of the deep infection and calculus from the root surface
• Surgery – flap surgery and bone grafting to encourage regeneration of the lost bone
• Medications – antiplaque mouthwash and antibiotics
How to prevent gum disease
Proper and regular brushing and cleaning of the oral cavity is the mainstay of prevention of gum disease.
A good practice to maintain oral hygiene includes –
• Brush your teeth twice a day after breakfast and dinner
• Use dental floss to remove food particles trapped between teeth
• Use antiplaque mouthwash when needed
• Replace the toothbrush every 4-6 months
• Limit sticky, sugary foods, and junk foods
• Eat a balanced, healthy diet that contains fiber
• Refrain from smoking and chewing habits
• Visit your dentist for a dental checkup once a year
It is crucial to see a dentist for gum disease as soon as possible. Although it is not a serious health issue, it can lead to other health conditions and the infection can spread elsewhere in the body. It is very susceptible in patients with diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Thus, early detection and treatment of gum disease can help you manage your health better.
