People with gum disease are three times more likely to have a stroke
Explaining why your gum health is an important part of your general health
Ever seen blood after brushing your teeth?
Well that could be a sign of gum disease.
There is a vast range of evidence and proof now showing there are multiple links between health conditions and gum disease. In the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference, research highlighted that gum disease is linked with cardiovascular events. The studies explained treating gum disease can help reduce the risk of stroke.
There is also a significant link between uncontrolled diabetes and gum disease. High blood sugar levels can make diabetes worse, but also severe gum disease can make diabetes harder to control.
“There is a “two-directional” relationship between gum disease and diabetes”
I’m a dentist and I want to share why gums are the foundation of your teeth and why they should be looked after.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease is inflammation of the gums. Gums include the surrounding structures of the teeth. Gums can get inflamed if there is bacteria that has not been cleaned off, or if deposits and plaque have hardened to form calculus/tartar on the surfaces of the tooth. When there are hardened deposits that have formed on your tooth surface, your body’s natural immune response is to ‘run away’ from it which results in the bone dissolving. Eventually if left untreated, the bone continues to dissolve away leading to wobbly teeth (as the bone holding the teeth has gone) and eventual tooth loss.
If the inflammation is untreated in it’s earlier stages, then there can be irreversible damage around the teeth.
When gum disease is reversible in it’s early stages, it is called gingivitis, and when there is irreversible damage, it is called periodontitis.
Why are gums important?
Gums are like the soil of a plant. It is the foundation of whatever is to be planted within it. If it is unhealthy, then whatever grows within it will eventually become unhealthy as well. It supplies the nutrients and water to the plant and if it is not looked after, then the plant will be limp and may eventually die. The same goes for the tooth.
If the gums are unhealthy, then not only is treatment done on the tooth at a higher risk of failure, e.g. a root canal treatment, but the tooth could eventually become so wobbly and fall out!
Early signs of gum disease
Healthy gums shouldn’t hurt when you brush them, and they shouldn’t bleed. They shouldn’t feel tender or painful when you touch them or when you eat.
If you have gum disease, not only can you have pain, but you can have infection, bad taste, or bad breath.
How do I get it treated?
Firstly, you should see your dentist to see if you have gum disease. They may take x-rays to assess if there has been irreversible bone loss and whether you need ‘deep cleans’ or general cleans with a hygienist.
Although it’s good to get regular cleans, if you don’t brush your teeth and gums properly at home, the gums will never get better. The first way to treat your gums is through effective oral hygiene. That’s brushing your gums gently but effectively, really cleaning the plaque sitting on your gums, and flossing in between your teeth. If you have slightly larger gaps, you can use interdental brushes that can be effective in cleaning the slightly larger spaces.
Are some people more prone to gum disease?
Yes there are, but I will explain these in a later post.
However, I want you to remember that the number one factor is bacteria. P. gingivalis.
If the bacteria is not effectively cleaned off every day, then you will be prone to gum disease.
Summary
Make sure you are cleaning properly and detect early signs of gum disease with your dentist at routine checkups. Regular cleans will help prevent damage caused by hardened deposits that can build up on your teeth.
