PERIODONTITIS (GUM DISEASE) IS A SERIOUS GUM INFECTION that damages the teeth’s soft tissue. Today, we explore the warning signs of the silent disease in our mouths. We’ll also look at periodontitis risk reduction.
A recent article in the New York Times piqued my curiosity about the silent disease in our mouths. The title? “The ‘Quiet Disease’ Lingering in Our Mouths.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of those over age 30 exhibit signs of gum disease (which can cause tooth loss); I want to explore how to recognize and treat the condition.
Toothbrush — A History
Did you know that the bristle toothbrush, similar to the ones we use today, was not invented until 1498 in China?
I would not have loved the historical brushes, though. The bristles were the stiff and coarse hairs taken from the back of a hog’s neck. The brush’s handles were made of bamboo or bone.
Dupont de Nemours traded nylon bristles for boar ones in 1938. The branding for the modern version:? Doctor West’s Miracle Toothbrush.
Here is a description of the new brush:
“The West Products Company, Chicago, will launch an intensive national advertising campaign about Oct. 15 for its new toothbrush made of synthetic bristles by Du Pont.
The product, known as Dr. West’s Miracle-Tuft toothbrush, will carry four guarantees: ‘No bristle shedding, 100 percent waterproofed, longer life, greater cleaning power.’
Until now, all good toothbrushes were made with animal bristles. Today, Dr. West’s new Miracle Tuft is the single exception. It is made of EXTON, a unique bristle-like filament produced exclusively for Dr. West.”
Gum Disease (Periodontitis) Symptoms
Is your spit pink-tinged a couple of times after you floss or brush? You may have early-stage gum disease. Still, gum disease can also have other surprising symptoms — or none at all.
According to the Mayo Clinic,
- Swollen gums
- Bright red, dark red, or dark purple gums
- Gums that are tender to touch
- Easily-bleeding gums
- A pink toothbrush after brushing your teeth
- Spitting out blood when flossing or brushing your teeth
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Pus between your gums and teeth
- Loose (or loss of) teeth
- Painful chewing
- New spaces develop between your teeth (that look like black triangles)
- Receding gums — gums that pull away from your teeth (making your teeth appear longer than usual
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
What causes periodontal disease?
The Cleveland Clinic explains that dental plaque contains many bacteria types. These bacteria sometimes infect our gums.
Not surprisingly, if you have poor oral hygiene, you are more likely to get gum disease.
Dental plaque buildup is the leading cause of periodontal disease. Poor oral hygiene increases gum disease risk.
Moreover, our genes influence gum disease risk, modulating our immune system response to bacteria.
Risk Factors for Gum Disease (Periodontitis)
Here are some risk factors that can contribute to periodontal disease.
- Age. Older people have the highest periodontal disease rates. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over seven out of 10 Americans 65 and older have some form of gum disease.
- Tobacco. Tobacco users have an increased periodontal disease risk. Tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.
- Genetics. Some people may be more likely to get gum disease because of genetics.
- Stress. Stress can make staving off infection, including periodontal diseases, more challenging.
- Medications. Some medicines (including anti-depressants, oral contraceptives, and certain heart medicines) can affect oral health.
- Grinding (or clenching) your teeth. The excessive force on the teeth’s supporting tissues can advance the rate of periodontal tissue destruction.
- Systemic diseases. There is a connection between periodontal disease and some medical conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease.
- Obesity or poor nutrition. A diet low in important nutrients can lower your immune system’s ability to fight off infection. Periodontal disease is an infection, so that poor nutrition can compromise your gums. In addition, obesity is associated with periodontal disease.
Gum disease, left untreated, can become more difficult to remedy. Let’s look at some risk-reduction maneuvers.
Periodontal Disease Risk Reduction
Here are some general approaches to reducing periodontal disease risk.
First, optimize your oral hygiene activities. This means tooth brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinse.
Second, understand your risk factors and consider changing any modifiable ones. For example, if you smoke, quit.
Japan has a national promotional effort called the 8020 Campaign. This so-called Halitosis Campaign.
The goal? The periodontal disease prevention awareness campaign aims to have Japanese people keep at least 20 teeth by age 80.
My Take — The Silent Disease In Our Mouths
Fortunately, regular brushing and flossing can help prevent gum disease.
However, once gum inflammation begins, good home oral hygiene only sometimes solves the problem. Bacteria can form below the gum level.
A professional cleaning (sometimes with antibiotics) might solve the problem.
It is important to have good dental care. If the periodontal disease is advanced, it may be incurable. The gums may recede such that the teeth look longer.
Over time, the teeth may not fit well together. Some develop chronic bad breath. Eventually, the teeth may loosen or even fall out.
In summary, work to keep your gums healthy. Please brush twice daily (for at least two minutes each time), floss once daily, and visit a trusted dentist for cleanings every six months (or as frequently as recommended).
Early detection is critical to disease resolution.
The information I provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. I am not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information in this blog.
Thank you for reading “The Silent Disease In Our Mouths.”
