There are two main infections of the gum tissue that a patient can experience. The first is gingivitis. Gingivitis is characterized by reddened, swollen, sometimes painful gum tissue, that bleeds when measured or cleaned. Gingivitis is reversible. This is a key factor of distinction regarding this type of infection.
The second major type of gingival infection is called periodontal disease. Also known as “gum disease” or “Periodontitis”, periodontal disease is defined as “inflammation of the supporting tissues surrounding the teeth”. To make matters simple, periodontal disease includes not only all the symptoms of gingivitis, but also adds in the destruction of the supporting ligament and bone of the teeth. While periodontal disease can be treated and stabilized to prevent further bone and attachment loss, the loss experienced can never be replaced. Plainly, periodontal disease is treatable yet the damage is irreversible.
So why do some people have gingivitis, and some people have periodontal disease?
It all comes down to how your body deals with bacteria. In much the same way that some people catch a million colds, yet others get the sniffles once a decade, some people react harshly to bacteria and others fight it well. Everyone knows somebody who barely brushes their teeth and yet they’ve never had a cavity in their life. Similarly, it’s hard to predict when your body will start fighting you instead of the bacteria.
Eventually the bacteria in plaque and calculus (tartar) build up to a point where your body can no longer handle the toxins they produce. This phase is called gingivitis. Once your body crosses that threshold, it will literally start producing an immune response that destroys the bone and structures that support your teeth. This phase is called periodontal disease. Untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. The pathogens associated with periodontal disease are also linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and preterm/low birth weight babies in affected mothers.
Approximately 47.2% of US adults have some form of periodontal disease, and as we look at adults over the age of 65, that percentage climbs to 70.1%. These are not small numbers. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends a yearly periodontal exam to screen for disease, which your hygienist should carry out during your routine cleanings and exams. There are warning signs you can be looking for as well, which include:
- Red, swollen or tender gums or other pain in your mouth
- Bleeding while brushing, flossing, or eating hard food
- Gums that are receding or pulling away from the teeth, causing the teeth to look longer than before
- Loose or separating teeth
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Sores in your mouth
- Persistent bad breath
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- A change in the fit of partial dentures
Of course, these symptoms are indicative of moderate-to-severe periodontal disease. Early periodontitis and gingivitis can be completely symptom-free, which means that you may have no idea the disease process has begun in your mouth or the risk it is posing to your overall health.
To assess your risk and ensure your gum health, call today to schedule your routine exam and cleaning. Be sure to bring any concerns you may have to the attention of your dentist or dental hygienist.
S. Paige Tscherpel, RDH, BSDH
Consulted Sources Include:
https://www.perio.org/consumer/types-gum-disease.html
http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ad/2014/596824/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK2496/
https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm