Gum Disease
Why might I be at risk?
Periodontal (gum and bone) disease is the main cause of tooth loss amongst adults. The reasons for this are:
Due to our immune systems. A certain number of people (15-20%) have immune systems that overreact to the bad bacteria in their mouths. When this overreaction occurs, the immune system attacks and breaks down the bone and tissue that surround the tooth. This destruction is not predictable and can occur sporadically. None of us knows if we are part of this 15-20% because we can’t usually feel or notice the onset of gum and bone (periodontal) disease.
Age-related – these diseases also become more common as we get older. The most recent survey for 2014 revealed at 54% of adults aged over 16 had moderate signs of gum and bone disease and more severe signs were found in 5% of the population, the majority of when were aged over 65.
Affected by life style – smokers are also at greater risk of developing periodontal disease.
Both adults and children should be routinely checked for gum disease.
Keeping your gums in shape
Keep in mind that healthy gums DON’T BLEED. The dentists and hygienists at Redhouse can help you but you are the key player on the hygiene team. If you don’t do the essential daily brushing and flossing, the rest of your dental team (the dentist and hygienist) is playing short-handed. And stubborn plaque and bacteria may require some new maintenance techniques for battling gum infection.
Gum disease is not curable, but it is treatable, and in most cases, controllable
Are you living at high risk for gum disease?
Smoking: Numerous studies have shown that smokers have more gum disease. Smokers have increased levels of tartar in the mouth, and experience more tissue irritation, which makes their gums more susceptible to disease. Smokers have more bone loss and heal less quickly than non-smokers. They are also at a high risk of developing oral cancer, and when combined with alcohol the risk is even greater.
Stress: When our immune system is stressed it is difficult to fight off the bacteria that cause gum infections.
Dental neglect: Avoiding the dentist put you at risk of contracting diseases of the mouth, teeth and gums. Our Redhouse Team are especially skilled at caring for nervous or anxious patients. We will do all we can to make your appointment as stress-free as possible.
Heart disease: Gum inflammation products and bacteria in gum disease can cause heart disease, and in some cases, double the risk of a fatal heart attack. In addition, bacteria from your mouth may combine with blood-clotting cells called platelets, forming heart-stopping blood clots.
Stroke: Studies show that 70% of the fatty deposits of stroke sufferers contain bacteria, of which 40% comes from the mouth.
Diabetics: This group of people are more likely to have gum disease than most people and gum disease makes it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar.
Premature birth: Pregnant women who have periodontal disease may be as much as seven times more likely to have a baby born early. Some research suggests that gum disease may increase the level of hormones that induce labour.
