Periodontic (Gum) Disease

Health Effects

Studies have shown links between periodontal (gum) disease, heart disease and other health conditions. Research further suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk for heart disease, more so than hypertension, smoking cholesterol, gender and ages.

Researchers conclusions suggest that bacteria present in infected gums can become loose and move throughout the body through the bloodstream. Once bacteria reaches the arteries, they can irritate them in the same way that they irritate gum tissue causing arterial plaque, which can cause hardening and affect blood-flow.

What Healthy Gums Look Like

Healthy gums are generally pink, firm, thin and tight to the tooth. 

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is “gum inflammation”.  When you have an inflamed finger don’t you take care of it and do what you can to heal it quickly. Inflamed gums are inflamed for a reason, something is irritating them causing the swelling. In most cases it’s a build up of bacterial plaque and their toxins causing the redness and inflammation. If that process continues the body does what it can to avoid the assault by backing away from it, this is an immune response. In order for your gums to return to a healthy state, treatment from one of our hygienists is required in addition to proper oral hygiene.

Periodontitis

Moderate gum disease is when the tooth’s bone tissue starts to deteriorate. Periodontitis occurs when bacterial plaque byproducts destroy the tissues that anchor your teeth in the bone. The gums deteriorate and begin detaching themselves from the teeth forming gum pockets, which allows more plaque to collect below the gum line. This causes the roots of the teeth to become susceptible to decay. Generally, patients notice an increase in sensitivity to hot and cold and to touch.  Read more here.

Advanced Periodontitis

Advanced periodontitis occurs when a major amount of gum and bone tissue has been lost and the teeth are losing more and more support due to the loss of periodontal ligament and bone. Some teeth are unable to be saved and must be extracted. If left untreated, advanced periodontitis can cause severe health problems elsewhere in the body. Read more here.

Sensitivity

Suppress the urge to avoid cleaning teeth that are sensitive to cold! Teeth that have suffered damage from gum disease will always be more sensitive to cold. Avoiding them only makes it worse.

After any dental treatment, teeth may become sensitive. This is their way of letting you know that they’ve been injured. Any injury (cavity, tooth clenching/grinding, gum infection) can injure the nerves in a tooth. This should not last long if the teeth are kept clean. If the teeth are not kept clean, the sensitivity will remain or get worse.

If your teeth are especially sensitive consult with your dentist. This could be a sign of the need for root canal treatment or a gum tissue graft. Or a desensitizing toothpaste (with potassium nitrate) or concentrated fluoride gel (0.4% stannous- or 1.1% sodium-fluoride) may do the trick.