Gum Disease: What You Need to Know

Swollen, bleeding gums can impact your overall health. If you think you've got gingivitis and have been ducking the dentist, make that phone call before it leads to tooth loss.

    If your gums are red and swollen or bleed frequently, you may have gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. This chronic inflammation begins when bacteria irritate and invade your gums. Left untreated, gum disease can ultimately cause tooth loss and other health problems as well.

Gum Disease: Who’s at Risk 

    Older adults, tobacco users, and people who earn a lower income are at higher risk of having gum disease. Nearly 9 percent of adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have periodontal disease, and 5 percent of those have moderate or severe cases.

Fortunately, better oral hygiene and regular dental care have resulted in lower rates of gum disease over the last 35 years, but there's still room for improvement.

Gum Disease: To What Degree 

    There are two types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the less severe form, and though it often causes red, swollen gums, there is typically minimal pain or discomfort. Gingivitis is usually the result of poor oral hygiene since bacteria thrive on food particles lodged in between teeth after meals. The good news is that gingivitis can often be reversed by professional dental treatment and good dental care at home.

    If untreated, however, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis. This occurs when bacteria invades tissue below the gum line, leading to chronic swelling and inflammation. Severe inflammation can cause the teeth to become loose and eventually fall out. Pockets of infection may develop as well, further compromising healthy gum and dental tissue.

There are a number of different types of periodontitis, including:

• Aggressive periodontitis. This involves rapid gum and tooth destruction and tends to run in families.
• Chronic periodontitis. The most common type, chronic periodontitis gradually causes gum instability, eventual tooth loss, and infection.
• Necrotizing periodontal disease. In this severe form of gum disease, the gums, supporting ligaments in the mouth, and the upper part of your jawbone are destroyed. This type of gum disease is more likely in people who have underlying conditions such as profound malnutrition and immune system disorders.

Gum Disease: The Dangers Beyond Your Mouth 

    Taking good care of your teeth may be even more important than protecting a beautiful smile. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, gum inflammation has been liked to serious inflammatory conditions such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. One large study recently showed that the risk of developing cancer was increased by a small, but notable, degree among men with periodontal disease, even in those who were non-smokers.

Gum Disease: When to Get Treatment 

    Anytime you notice an area of your gums that is sore or swollen and doesn’t get better within two weeks, see your dentist. You may need to see a gum specialist, or periodontist, if:

• You're at high risk for gingivitis or periodontitis, which your dentist can help you determine. Factors contributing to your risk of gum disease include your age, your overall health, your smoking history, and whether or not family members have gum disease.
• You have diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, osteoporosis, or are considering becoming pregnant.
• A family member has gingivitis or periodontitis.

Gum Disease: Think Prevention 

    Even if you don’t have a family history of gum disease or other risk factors, you should take concrete steps to help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis:

• Brush and floss daily.
• Have your teeth cleaned by a dental professional at least twice a year.
• If you have persistent problems with your gums - including bleeding, redness, swelling, loose teeth, a change in your ability to chew, or a change in how your dentures fit - ask your dentist to refer you to a gum specialist.

    Additionally, be certain to make your dentist aware of all of your medications (including vitamins and herbal supplements) as well as any changes in your general health.

While protecting your smile is obviously important for its own sake, keep in mind that good oral hygiene may also help protect and enhance your overall health.