Dental Health	Plaque	Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Diabetes and Dental Health		Additional Resources

Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Know the Facts
          Gingivitis
          Periodontitis
Know Your Risk Factors
Manage Your Risk Factors
Work with Your Dentist and Your Doctor

Know the Facts

• If you have been told you have periodontal (gum) disease, you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease.
• People usually don't show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s.
• Although teenagers rarely develop periodontitis (PER-ee-oh-don-TY-tis), they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease.
• Most commonly, gum disease develops when plaque is allowed to build up along and under the gum line.
• Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.
• Gum disease is a threat to your oral health.
• Symptoms of periodontal disease are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. Symptoms may signal a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. They include:
• Bad breath that won't go away.
• Red or swollen gums.
• Tender or bleeding gums.
• Painful chewing.
• Loose teeth.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Plaque can cause periodontal disease.
  Bacteria found in the mouth, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on teeth. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form bacteria-harboring tartar that brushing doesn't remove. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
• Gingivitis
  Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums; it is a mild form of gum disease caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
• Periodontitis
  Periodontitis (PER-ee-oh-don-TY-tis) results when gingivitis is not treated; periodontitis means inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form "pockets" that are infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's enzymes fighting the infection actually start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Know the Risk Factors

• Poor dental hygiene.
• Smoking and smokeless tobacco.
  Need another reason to quit smoking? Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of periodontitis. Smokers have 7 times the risk of developing gum disease compared to non-smokers. Additionally, smoking can lower the chances of success of some treatments. Tobacco use in any form - cigarette, pipes, and smokeless (spit) tobacco - increases the risk for gum disease, oral and throat cancers, and oral fungal infection (candidiasis). Spit tobacco containing sugar increases the risk of tooth decay. For more information on how to stop smoking, click here. If you would like information on HIP's Quit For Life Quit Smoking Program, call 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE (784-8454) TDD: 1-877-777-6534.
• Hormonal changes in girls/women.
  These changes that occur during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation, menopause and treatment with hormones can make gums more sensitive and make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
• Diabetes.
  People with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal disease. For more information on diabetes, click here.
• Stress.
  Research shows that stress can make it more difficult for our bodies to fight infection, including periodontal disease.
• Medications.
  Some drugs, such as antidepressants and some heart medicines, can affect oral health because they lessen the flow of saliva. (Saliva has a protective effect on teeth and gums.)
• Illnesses.
  Diseases like cancer or AIDS and their treatments can also affect the health of gums.
• Genetic susceptibility.
  Some people are more prone to severe periodontal disease than others.

Manage Your Risk Factors

Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontal diseases:

• Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste).
• Floss every day.
• Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning.
• Eat a well balanced diet.

Don't use tobacco products. For more information on how to stop smoking, click here. If you would like information on HIP's Quit For Life Quit Smoking Program, call 1-866-QUIT-4-LIFE (784-8454) TDD: 1-877-777-6534.
• If you have diabetes, work to maintain control of your blood sugar. This will help prevent the complications of diabetes, including an increased risk of gum disease. For more information about diabetes, click here.

Work with Your Dentist and Your Doctor

Visit the dentist regularly. Check-ups can detect early signs of oral health problems and can lead to treatments that will prevent further damage and in some cases reverse the problem. Professional tooth cleaning also is important for preventing oral problems, especially when self-care is difficult.

At your dental visit:

• Your dentist will ask about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors (such as smoking) that may contribute to periodontal disease. Tell your dentist about any medical conditions (including diabetes) you have and about all the medications you are taking.
• Your dentist or dental hygienist will examine your gums and note any signs of inflammation.
• Your dentist or dental hygienist will use a tiny ruler called a 'probe' to check for periodontal pockets and to measure any pockets. In a healthy mouth, the depth of these pockets is usually between 1 and 3 millimeters. (There are 25 millimeters in one inch.)
• Your dentist or dental hygienist may take an x-ray to see whether there is any bone loss.
• Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist, a specialist who treats gum diseases.

Work with your doctor to manage and control any medical conditions that you have, especially if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor whether any of your medications can affect your oral health.

[ back to top ]