Have you even been told by your dentist or hygienist that you have gum disease? If so you are not alone.
According to the National Institutes of Health, almost 80% of adults in the United States currently have some form of the disease.
Until recently, gum disease and other dental problems were thought to be unrelated to the rest of the body.
That attitude had changed lately as an increasing amount of research has linked gum disease to such chronic conditions as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and respiratory illnesses, as well as pregnancy complications including premature birth.
Health care providers now agree that correct diagnosis and management of gum disease can greatly benefit overall health.
What exactly is gum disease? The earliest stage of gum disease is better known as gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gum tissue due to the buildup of plaque.
Patients with gingivitis may notice some tenderness and bleeding in their gums when brushing or flossing.
Gingivitis can be controlled or eliminated by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist regularly for a cleaning.
The later stages of gum disease, collectively known as periodontal disease, develop when plaque and tartar are allowed to build up underneath the gums.
These substances contain harmful bacteria that destroy the bone and other supporting tissues surrounding the tooth.
Signs of more advanced periodontal disease may include red, painful or swollen gums, excessive bleeding, loose teeth, and bad breath.
How is it diagnosed? Multiple tools are used to diagnose the presence and severity of gum disease.
Dental x-rays can show the position and health of the supporting bone around your teeth.
X-rays may also show tartar or calculus build up around the teeth.
Your dentist or hygienist will use an instrument called a periodontal probe to measure around your teeth and gums.
Along with x-rays and a visual exam, the probe readings will allow your dentist to determine the health of your gums.
How is this treated? This depends on the severity of the disease.
Gingivitis can be treated with good brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups.
If you are found to have the early stages of periodontal disease, which involves some loss of bone as well as excess build up around the teeth, your dentist may recommend a procedure called scaling and root planing.
This procedure involves cleaning the tooth surfaces deep underneath the gum and usually takes multiple appointments.
If you have an advanced case of periodontal disease, you may be referred to a gum specialist, or periodontist.
More severe cases may need to be treated with gum surgery in addition to scaling and root planing.
In very extreme cases, a patient with periodontal disease may need to have their teeth extracted.
How is gum disease related to other health problems? A person with untreated gum disease has a very high level of nasty bacteria in their mouth.
Every time they eat, drink, or brush these bacteria are released into their bloodstream and allowed to travel all over the body.
The bacteria and the chemicals your body releases to fight them can exacerbate many chronic health conditions (listed above).
This is why a clean and healthy mouth is essential to better overall health.