Gum disease: You can prevent it

Gingivitis is considered to be a bacterial infection of the gums. For gingivitis to develop, plaque must accumulate in the areas between the teeth. This plaque contains large numbers of bacteria thought to be responsible for gingivitis. Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums (gingiva). In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, […]

Gingivitis is considered to be a bacterial infection of the gums. For gingivitis to develop, plaque must accumulate in the areas between the teeth. This plaque contains large numbers of bacteria thought to be responsible for gingivitis. Gingivitis means inflammation of the gums (gingiva).

In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causes the gums to become inflamed (red and swollen) and often easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.

Dr. Lukman Adio, Dentist at the Regal Dental Clinic, Abuja says explains further. “The most common type of gum disease is inflammation of the gums called gingivitis which most often results from a poor oral hygiene manifesting as accumulation of plaque and calculus (tartar) on the surfaces of the teeth and along its gum line. Plaque is made up of small particles of food, germs and mucus which if left for more than three days hardens and turns into tartar.

“Gingivitis is a mild, common disease and easily treatable, but could progress into a more severe type of gum disease called periodontitis (this causes the teeth to become shaky and fall off) if left untreated,” Dr. Adio explains.

He says the primary cause of gingivitis is poor oral hygiene but other causes which could be attributed to the disease include; poor nutrition especially deficiencies in vitamins b3 (Pellagra) and c(Scurvy), viral and fungal infections e.g herpes, hormonal changes, especially in women during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.

Swelling, redness, pain, and bleeding of the gums are signs of gingivitis. The breath begins to take on a foul odour. The gums begin to lose their normal structure and colour. The gums, which were once strong and pink, begin to recede away from the teeth and take on a beefy red, inflamed colour.

According to Dr. Adio, the first step of treatment for plaque-induced gingivitis is “scaling”, which means cleaning all the plaque and tartar of the teeth and gums. This process can be done by your dentist – though usually a painless procedure, it can cause some amount of uneasiness if there is an excessive accumulation of plaque. It is necessary to follow a good oral hygiene routine after a professional cleaning to prevent the further appearance of plaque.

Healthy habits and good oral hygiene are critical in preventing gum disease. Regular and effective tooth brushing and mouth washing is important.

Similarly, Dr. Adio says following these basic rules will prevent this problem.

• While buying toothpaste, ensure that it contains fluoride.

• Ideally, brushing must be done after every meal. However, if this becomes difficult, make sure that you brush at least once a day.

• It is also important that you brush correctly. Choose the shape and the size of the brush that will help to clean even the innermost areas of the cheek and tongue.

• Change your brush after every 3 months no matter however new it looks.

• Try using floss as in most of the cases, toothbrush cannot do the full cleaning.

•Eat foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals like fresh fruits and vegetables.

Again, it is important to reduce both the quantity and, in particular, the frequency of sugar intake. Avoid snacks and drinks with sugar (other than natural sugars found in fruits and vegetables). But if you have to eat food and drinks with sugar, then brush your teeth immediately after the meal.