Gum disease is treatable — and catching it early makes all the difference.

Periodontal disease often develops progressively and unknowingly due to the absence of pain, but in other cases it can develop rapidly. Unless a patient sees his or her dentist for regular checkups, s/he may not recognize the development of periodontal disease until the gums and bone have been damaged to the point of tooth loss. In other cases, there may be obvious changes to a person’s oral health that can signal an issue such as the following: • Red, painful gums that are sensitive to brushing and flossing or hard foods • Gum recession that creates the illusion of longer teeth • Pus and sores • Bad breath • Loose teeth or a change in the fit of partial dentures or regular bite Periodontal disease can occur at any age, and over half of all people over age 18 show signs of at least the early stages of some form of periodontal disease.

There are many different inflammatory bacterial diseases of the gums, but the most commonly found conditions include acute periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, periodontitis as the result of systemic diseases, and necrotizing periodontal disease. • Acute periodontitis occurs in healthy patients who exhibit the rapid loss of tooth to gum attachment, and subsequently experience the destruction of related bone. • Chronic periodontitis causes inflammation in the surrounding structures of the teeth that provide support, compromising the condition of attachment, teeth, and bone, albeit progressively. This form of periodontitis is most common and specifically produces recession of the gums and pockets that form between the gums and teeth. Chronic periodontitis is more common in adults. Gum disease that occurs as the result of a systemic disease can present early in a person’s life. As previously mentioned, common conditions linked to periodontal disease include heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes. Lesions of necrotic tissue are characteristic of necrotizing periodontal disease. The infection causes tissue death in the gums, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. This form of periodontitis can be seen in patients with immunosuppression or those with compromised immune systems due to HIV or malnutrition.

Yes, gum health can be affected by a person’s genetics, and studies have proven that about one-third of the population is predisposed to periodontal conditions. Even with good brushing and flossing habits, people with inherited oral health issues can be up to six times more susceptible to periodontal disease. Genetic tests can prove this link and heighten the awareness of disease, which can then be proactively prevented.

Absolutely. A lack of certain nutrients can become a factor in periodontal disease by making it more difficult for the mouth to resist infection. Periodontal disease is a condition where the infected gums gradually pull away from the teeth, deepening the surrounding pockets, allowing the infection to destroy the supporting bone. This results in the loosening of the teeth and their eventual loss if left untreated. Vitamins and minerals play a crucial part in helping the body combat bleeding and swollen gums, loosening of teeth, decay and bad breath. More specifically, vitamins and minerals help to form antibodies, help fight bacteria and infection and aid in the response of the immune system. So what recommendations should a dentist make to his or her patients regarding diet and nutrition? The first suggestion should be to eat a well balanced diet and take the necessary nutritional supplements. Keep in mind that food storage, food processing, freezing and thawing, and cooking depletes the majority of nutrients from foods that were originally nutritious. There are many other factors that affect the way vitamins and minerals are absorbed into our system. Stress, smoking, alcohol, drugs (pharmaceutical and recreational), pollution and various medical conditions can act to prevent one from receiving the benefits of a well-balanced meal. Remember that disease tends to occur less frequently in a healthy, well-balanced body.