According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 47.2 percent of US adults aged 30 years and older have some type of gum disease, with the numbers increasing to 70.1 percent for adults aged 65 and older. On a global scale, the statistics get even more shocking. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), nearly 90 percent of the world’s population has some form of gum disease.
For millions of people, gum disease is a chronic dental health problem that has to be managed every day; but most of us don’t know nearly enough about what causes gum disease, and how we can prevent it from happening.
As sinister as it sounds, the good news is that for many of us, gum disease can be controlled and treated quite easily through good oral hygiene, behavioral modifications, and daily maintenance.
The term “gum disease” (also known as “periodontal disease”) refers to an inflammation of the gums that’s severe enough to infect and damage your gums. Gum tissue is what holds our teeth safely and securely in place, and if the inflammation goes unchecked, this tissue can disintegrate, resulting in widespread infection and tooth loss.
These are two of the most common types of gum infections, according to the CDC:
This is the mildest form of gum disease. In the beginning stages, you might notice that you have chronic bad breath or that your gums are red, swollen, or bleed easily.
Periodontitis is an advanced form of gum disease and is usually the result of untreated gingivitis. Periodontitis can lead to aggressive periodontitis (which involves gum deterioration), and chronic periodontitis, which has to be controlled daily. As periodontitis progresses, gums can start separating from the teeth, resulting in small openings under the gum line (known as "pockets") that can easily become infected. If left untreated, these infected pockets can destroy bone and gum tissue, eventually causing teeth to loosen and fall out. And in advanced stages, periodontal disease can even cause a greater risk of heart disease and strokes.
Gingivitis is an extremely common form of gum disease, and fortunately, not all cases lead to periodontitis. With the right dental care, continued treatments, and daily oral maintenance, gingivitis can be controlled and even eliminated in many patients.
Gingivitis is caused by plaque, which is a sticky film that's loaded with bacteria and forms regularly on the teeth. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into a hard, calcified material called “tartar” (also known as “calculus”), which forms along the gum line. While brushing and flossing can help you get rid of soft tissue plaque build-up, it can’t help with tartar, because by then, the plaque has hardened too much for simple removal and can only be removed through cleanings by a dental professional.
In addition, these factors play a huge part in the development of gingivitis and gum disease:
Typically, periodontal disease causes pronounced symptoms that make it easy to identify the condition at its beginning stages. Because of this, patients can seek treatment early, before the inflammation and infection progress too far. These are the most common symptoms of gum disease and gingivitis:
At the first signs of gum disease, it’s important to schedule a dental checkup. Once you’re diagnosed, you can immediately begin treatment for gingivitis or periodontitis — and early treatment can help protect and preserve your teeth and gums.
During your exam, the dentist (or dental hygienist) will examine your gums for signs of inflammation, using a tiny dental probe and mirror to locate and measure any pockets that may have developed around your teeth (don’t worry, this exam is painless). The dentist will also ask about your family history and try to identify any risk factors that could be contributing to the problem.
Next, the dentist might also take some x-rays to determine how far the gingivitis has progressed, and whether any bone loss is involved. If periodontitis is detected, the dentist might refer you to a periodontist, who is an expert in diagnosing and treating periodontal gum disease.
With gingivitis and periodontitis, the goal is to control and eliminate the infection and inflammation. Treatments can include:
In addition, your dentist may recommend a series of supplements, which we’ll discuss below.
According to the NCBI, studies show that vitamin C can improve gum bleeding commonly caused by gingivitis. In addition, these studies showed that patients with lower amounts of vitamin C in their blood had increased levels of periodontal disease. Studies have also shown that higher doses of vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can result in improved healing following various types of non-surgical periodontal treatment.
Studies are also continuing to show the benefits of a fat-soluble coenzyme known as “coenzyme Q10” (CoQ10). This enzyme is found in virtually every one of our blood cells, helping to channel energy from food and regenerate valuable antioxidants. Research shows that people with gum disease tend to have lower levels of CoQ10 in their blood; but when it’s taken as an oral supplement, it can effectively suppress advanced levels of periodontal inflammation.
According to the American Dental Association, there’s a definite correlation between diet and oral health. You probably remember being told as a child that too much sugar causes cavities, and this is an actual medical fact, not merely an urban legend. In much the same way, these dietary choices can affect your overall dental health, and increase your risk of periodontal disease:
Sugar is a major contributor to tooth decay (also known as “dental caries,”), which occurs when bacteria in your mouth create acids that can attack your teeth. According to research reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of dental caries is lower when a person's sugar intake is less than 10 percent of their overall energy intake.
In addition, sugar attracts the types of bacteria that are prime causes of gingivitis and gum disease. And if there’s too much sugar (or glucose) in your blood or saliva, it can cause this harmful bacteria to grow. In addition, sugar ferments and develops into acids, which can also be a major contributor to dental health issues. This is why people with diabetes have a higher risk of gum disease and other oral health problems.
Too many acidic foods and beverages can cause an increase in erosive tooth wear. Some of the biggest high-acid culprits are citrus fruits (such as limes and lemons), sodas, alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, and foods with a high vinegar level (such as salad dressings). Studies have shown that saturated fatty acids (SFAs) can produce an inflammatory response, which in turn can be a factor in periodontal disease.
Overall, studies show that diet can play a major part in helping to prevent not only tooth decay, but also gingivitis and periodontitis. And speaking of preventative measures…
For many patients, gum disease can be prevented through a basic regimen of oral hygiene. This includes:
In addition, if you’re a smoker or chew tobacco, it’s a good idea to try and quit. Tobacco is proven to be a major cause of gum disease, as well as other serious mouth and gum diseases.
Is gum disease reversible? It depends upon the type of gum disease and how far it has advanced. Mild gum disease can be treated and cured, and can also be prevented through good oral hygiene practices. Periodontitis, on the other hand, is typically a chronic condition that patients have to learn to live with and control daily.
However, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), new research shows that periodontitis can be reversed — but so far, the studies have only involved mice. As studies continue, scientists are hoping to find the right drug therapies to potentially cure this disease.
Gum disease, whether it’s gingivitis or periodontitis, is a miserable thing to have to deal with; but the good news is that it can often be prevented, and in the case of gingivitis, sometimes even cured through good oral hygiene and behavior modifications. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of periodontal disease, no matter how mild, it’s vital to see a dentist so you can begin treatment right away.
Oral health plays a huge part in overall health and well-being. At Pearly, we offer the world’s first oral health management app, where you can learn how to improve your oral hygiene, plus get tips for better dental care and maintenance. Be sure to download the app today, and start your journey toward better oral care.
