Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Gum Disease

Sept. 18, 2006
READERS:
Gum disease, not dental cavities, is the primary cause of adult tooth loss. And the bad news is that 95 percent of people over age 65 have some form of gum (periodontal) disease.

That grim statistic doesn't mean that you're destined for dentures, according to Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource. Proper oral hygiene and good professional care will not only keep your smile healthy but may also help protect your heart and other vital organs.

Periodontal disease begins with plaque, which is made up of bacteria and sticky bacterial products that accumulate on your teeth within hours after brushing. When not removed, plaque builds up and is visible as a soft film on your teeth. If you don't regularly remove the film, hard mineral deposits called tartar or calculus collect below the tooth line. The bacteria in the plaque then begin to produce toxins that irritate the gums and supporting bones. This is gingivitis, the early and mildest form of periodontal disease.

Left untreated, the gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets that harbor even more bacteria -- and bigger problems. Advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, may lead to the loss of teeth. Harmful bacteria can travel to major organs, such as the heart, and establish new infections.

The best treatment is prevention.

Brush your teeth twice a day, or as often as recommended by your dentist. Brush for at least two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle brush. Most studies have shown that electric toothbrushes are better at removing plaque than are standard toothbrushes, perhaps because people don't use an optimal technique or brush long enough. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque.

If you develop red, puffy or bleeding gums -- the first sign of gingivitis -- see your dentist. If treated early, gingivitis is reversible and does not necessarily worsen.