Gum disease starts with inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and, if left untreated, can progress to Periodontitis, leading to:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums (making teeth appear longer)
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Bone and soft tissue damage
- Tooth loss
The presence of bacteria under the gums means the inflammation and such bacteria can pass into the bloodstream. This can affect other parts of the body and increase the risk of suffering cardiovascular disease, adversely affect diabetes and raise the risk of premature birth.
Risk factors are circumstances that increase your chances of getting the disease; they do not necessarily cause the disease. The following are risk factors for periodontitis:
Genetics
Studies of twins have taught us that about 50% of periodontitis is due to your genetic make-up and you cannot change this. In these patient it is vital they have meticulous oral hygiene.
Smoking
Smoking is the largest “modifiable” risk factor for periodontitis. It reduces the blood supply to your gums, and therefore you do not heal properly after treatment. Treatment does not work as well in smokers and the disease is often impossible to control.
Stopping smoking is the only sure way of improving treatment outcomes; even then it may take several years before you heal as well as a person who has never smoked.
Diabetes
Diabetes sufferers have an increased risk of having periodontitis. Periodontitis makes it harder for diabetes patients to control their blood sugar levels.
Poorly controlled diabetes has the following adverse effects on periodontitis;
- Reduced ability of the body’s defence cells to fight properly against the bacterial plaque
- Increased damage caused by certain types of immune defence cells in your body
- Poor healing following periodontal treatment
If periodontitis is treated, it improves the control of blood sugar and lipid (fat) levels in diabetics. Therefore, it is important to treat and regularly maintain the health of your gums.
Poor Tooth-Brushing
A major cause of gum disease is failure to remove plaque well each day. The best way to prevent periodontitis is to maintain correct oral hygiene in order to control dental biofilm levels, and to have regular check-ups.
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, you may experience bleeding and/or overgrowth of your gums. This is due to hormonal changes in your body. It is vital that you increase the time you spend brushing your teeth regularly to prevent plaque from accumulating under the gums.
In most cases, the gums stop bleeding after childbirth and the overgrowth reduces, however, severe bone loss can occur during pregnancy. Extra attention to tooth brushing and regular hygienist visits are recommended during pregnancy.
Stress
If you are stressed, the body has a reduced ability to fight against periodontal infection. It may also affect your ability to brush your teeth effectively.
It is important to speak to your Doctor if you’re stressed and they can find the right people to help you.
Obesity
Overweight patients experience more gum inflammation and more gum disease.
Drugs
Some drugs, taken for certain medical problems are associated with overgrowth of the gums which can make oral hygiene more difficult. Examples include: drugs used to control blood pressure like nifedipine, felodipine, amlodipine; the anti-epilepsy drug phenytoin and the immunosuppressant ciclosporin.
Poor Diet
Diets high in sugars and fats cause inflammation. Diets high in fruits, vegetables and fish oils are beneficial
