Feature article:
Maintaining good oral health is the key to keeping your teeth for a lifetime
Fighting gum disease: How to keep your teeth
Gums are not the first thing most people think of when dentistry is mentioned, yet healthy gums are needed for a healthy smile. Unfortunately, a lot of people in their 30s and 40s have some form of gum disease which might be a serious threat to maintaining their oral heath leading to adult tooth loss.
How does lack of proper brushing and flossing support gum disease development?
Dr. Rafih Khoury, a leading dental surgeon in Dubai says: “The mouth is a busy place, with millions of bacteria constantly on the move. While some bacteria are harmless, others can attack the teeth as well as the gums. These bacteria, 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’. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. Similar to how plaque develops, the bacteria that causes inflammation of the gums starts by inflaming the gum in one form and then develops into a more powerful diseases that can lead to the loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. “
He continues: “In its earlier form, gum disease is called gingivitis which causes inflammation of the gum; if not treated, it can advance to periodontitis (which 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.”
| Early Periodontitis |
Moderate Periodontitis |
Advanced Periodontitis |
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How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. Symptoms are often not noticeable until the disease is advanced. Periodontal disease may progress painlessly, producing few obvious signs, even in the late stages of the disease. Then one day, on a visit to your dentist, you might be told that you have chronic gum disease and that you may be at increased risk of losing your teeth.
Although the symptoms of periodontal disease often are subtle, the condition is not entirely without warning signs.
What are the signs and symptoms for poor gum health?
• gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing
• bad breath that won’t go away
• red, swollen or tender gums
• persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• receding gums
• formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• loose or shifting teeth
• changes in the way teeth fit together on biting, or in the fit of partial dentures.
Even if you don't notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. Some people have gum disease only around certain teeth, such as those in the back of the mouth, which they cannot see. Only a dentist or a periodontist--a dentist who specializes in gum disease--can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.
Whether gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this point forward.
“Fortunately, gum disease is almost entirely preventable. This is one of those things in life that is always better taken care of sooner than later”, ads Dr. Khoury.
With proper oral care every day and regular visits to the dentist, gum disease can be prevented from ever developing.
What can I do to stop gum disease from developing?
The goal of periodontal treatment is to control any infection that exists and to halt progression of the disease. Treatment options involve home care that includes healthy eating and proper brushing and flossing, non-surgical therapy that controls the growth of harmful bacteria and, in more advanced cases of disease, surgery to restore supportive tissues. Dr. Rafih Khoury says that the rationale behind flossing is not "just to get the food out." From the periodontal standpoint, Khoury says, "You're flossing to remove plaque--the real culprit behind gum disease," adding that proper brushing and flossing techniques are critical.
Although brushing and flossing are equally important, brushing eliminates only the plaque from the surfaces of the teeth that the brush can reach. Flossing, on the other hand, removes plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline. Both should be used as part of a regular at-home, self-care treatment plan. Some dentists also recommend specialized toothbrushes, such as those that have soft gum stimulators which massage gums and increase circulation.
“There is a range of oral hygiene products in the market that are safe to use while having gum disease. Best are manual toothbrushes that stimulate gums and increase circulation while bristles work to lift out and sweep away plaque between teeth and along the gum line. The mouth feels revitalized, with teeth feeling clean and gums feeling healthy.” says Dr. Khoury.
LK Gupta, regional business manager for Oral-B, the brand used by more dentists worldwide, adds: “You should see your toothbrush as a tool or weapon for fighting plaque and therefore, individuals should be pay a great deal of attention to what toothbrushes they use, and how often they need to change them.”
Oral-B® Tips on how do I help prevent gum disease from developing
By adopting a thorough oral care routine, you can keep your gums healthy - here are some useful tips:
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Brush thoroughly twice a day, with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste - preferably in the morning and before bed |
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Clean between your teeth daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush can't reach |
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Visit your dentist and hygienist regularly - at least once every six months, for a cleaning and exam |
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Avoid smoking and using tobacco |
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Dentists recommend that you change your toothbrush at least every three months or earlier if the toothbrush looks worn, because research shows that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that's three months old. |
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