What Causes Gum Disease?
What causes gum disease?
Gum disease begins when unwanted bacteria and viruses grow around the roots of the teeth . These germs cause the body to react by swollen gums and bone loss. Once gum disease starts, it gets worse in stages. The first step is inflammation. That is called gingivitis. The next step is bone loss around the teeth, that is called periodontitis.
Treponema denticola, an important gum disease causing bacteria, causes gum swelling and damages bone.
Bacteria, such as treponema denticola, make for beautiful photographs like the one shown here, but they do not serve you well in the mouth. Bacteria grows quickly in the mouth, however, the mouth has many ways to fight back. Saliva contains proteins to fight against bacteria. The gums have ways to defend against bacteria. The tonsils, (in the back of the mouth), and a rich blood circulation in the mouth are also part of the mouth’s extensive protection methods.
Saliva is not just water. Many proteins and minerals in saliva protect your gums and teeth. The above link will explore the importance of saliva.
Why do I have gum disease but my
best friend does not?
It’s a good question, and there is no simple answer. Here are some facts. Gum disease begins when bacteria is allowed to grow on the teeth. Here’s the catch, however, you and your friend may have exactly the same brushing habits, the same eating habits, and the same all around good health. The difference comes when we start talking genetics. Bacteria does not cause gum disease.
The body’s reaction to bacteria is the cause of gum disease, meaning inflamed gums, bone loss, and loose teeth. Your friend and you do not have the same reaction to bacteria. Your immune system may cause extreme swelling and bleeding in the gums while your friend’s immune system produces none. So what should you do? Keep in good health. Exercise and eat a healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables. Brush, floss, and rinse frequently, and get your check ups.
Try not to over-treat a gum condition
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that nearly half of people over age 30 have gum disease. Among individuals over 65 years, more than 70 percent have gum disease. The CDC, seems to be telling us that almost everyone has gum disease. But is that true? Perhaps some of these individuals do not require extensive treatment. The AAP (American Academy of Periodontology) defines gum disease as:
any inflammation in the gums anywhere in the mouth
any receding gums (gum loss uncovering the tooth roots), even if it’s one tooth
any bone loss around any teeth anywhere in the mouth
The fact is, many people feel just fine about their gums….until their dentist tells them otherwise. If your dentist says ‘you have gum problems’ then ask the following questions:
‘How serious is it?
What is the prognosis? In other words, will my teeth fall out tomorrow, in 25 years, or never?
How much do I really need to spend on treatment?
And finally, most importantly, ‘What are my alternatives? Can I just do frequent cleanings? Can I just improve my home care? Can I manage my condition simply without extensive treatments? Do I need to get a cleaning from a gum specialist (periodontist) for the rest of my life instead of regular cleanings from the general dentist?’ (the answer is often no).
If you are:
functioning well (eating well)
free from pain
have strong teeth that do not move
socially active and happy
Then ask your dentist to discuss all the alternative treatments available so that you can decide what is best. A holistic approach to gum treatment including minimal in office work, good home care, healthy diet and, of course, no smoking, is a good approach to gum problems. Work with your dentist and create a treatment plan that suits YOU!