Gum (Gingival) and Periodontal Disease
Gum (gingival) is the pink tissue that surrounds the teeth. Periodontal tissue is what surrounds, supports and nourishes the tooth from the underlying bone. Both are susceptible to inflammation and infection. In fact gum and periodontal disease is the most common infection in man, woman or child.
Gum disease has been linked to health problems including cardiovascular disease, Type 2 Diabetes, osteoporosis and low birth weight.
It rarely causes pain, the early signs are bleeding gums when you brush or floss and it is the most common infection in man, woman or child.
Inflammation and/or infection of the gum (gingiva) or the supporting structures of a tooth (periodontal ligament) can cause problems for your health. It rarely causes pain and often you don't know you have it. Inflammation and/or infection can cause bleeding of the gums when you brush or occasionally floss your teeth which can, over a number of years, cause loss of bone around your teeth and eventually tooth loss.
For the rest of your body's health the presence of low grade inflammation or infection causing oxidative stress and the production of free radicals which have recently been shown to contribute to cardiovascular disease, non insulin dependent diabetes, osteoporosis and low birth weight.
The main factors influencing the health of your mouth are:
- Optimal nutrition (See Nutrition)
- Brushing and flossing - how well and how often.
- Your own immune system.
The symptoms of gum disease include red and puffy gums, bleeding, persistent bad breath, spaces that begin to appear between teeth, one or more teeth begin to loosen, receding gums, vague aching or itching or other discomfort.
Holistic approach: A thorough scale, clean and curettage together with oral hygiene instruction is essential. Critical to identify potential underlying causes is an assessment of the patient's nutrition and body chemistry, with particular reference to biochemical indicators such as pH imbalance, anaerobic metabolism, excess free calcium, chronic inflammation, connective tissue breakdown and oxidative stress.
The progression from healthy gums to advanced gum disease is outlined below:
Normal healthy gums chacterised by pink, firm appearance without plaque or bleeding on brushing/flossing
Deposits around the gum line push the gum away from the tooth and create small pockets of chronic inflammation which borders on chronic infection.
10-15 minutes later things are looking more healthy.
Simple routine regular sclaing and polishing of teeth can make a difference not only to the appearance of the teeth but your wellbeing and general health.
