WHY DO GUM DISEASES OCCUR?

CONSEQUENCES OF BACTERIAL PLAQUE

The Effect of Bacteria

The oral cavity is home to millions of bacteria. Together with mucus and other particles found in saliva, these bacteria form a sticky, pale-coloured layer on the teeth known as "bacterial plaque". Plaque can be removed with effective oral care and tooth brushing. If it is not removed, however, it mineralises into a harder deposit — tartar (calculus). Bacteria lie at the root of gum disease: heavy tartar build-up and poor oral hygiene pave the way for it, while a shift of the oral microbial profile towards more pathogenic species also plays a role in the development of periodontal disease.

GINGIVITIS

Inflammation of the Gums

The long-term presence of bacterial plaque or tartar on the teeth brings harmful consequences. The inflammation that bacteria cause in the gums is called "gingivitis". Gingivitis is the mild form of gum disease and can be reversed with daily brushing, flossing and regular professional cleaning. In gingivitis there is no loss of the bone that surrounds and supports the tooth.

PERIODONTITIS

Inflammation Around the Tooth

When gingivitis goes untreated for a long time, periodontitis (inflammation around the tooth) may develop. In periodontitis the attachment between the gum and the tooth weakens, and gaps known as "pockets" form between them. Although the immune system fights the bacterial plaque, bacteria continue to spread into deeper tissues. Bacterial toxins and the body's own immune response also destroy the bone around the tooth. Left untreated, this bone loss can cause the tooth to loosen and may make extraction necessary.

RISK FACTORS

What Should We Watch Out For?

• Smoking: The most significant risk factor in the development of gum disease. It also considerably reduces the success of periodontal treatment.
• Hormonal changes: They affect the gums' sensitivity to bacterial plaque, causing gingivitis to develop more quickly.
• Diabetes: Diabetes increases the risk of systemic infections in general and also contributes to the development of gum disease.
• Other diseases: Many conditions that affect the immune system (blood disorders, cancer, AIDS, etc.) create a basis for periodontal disease.
• Medications: Some medicines alter the composition and flow of saliva and can therefore predispose to gum disease. Others have direct side effects such as gum overgrowth.
• Genetic susceptibility: Some individuals are genetically more prone to developing gum disease.

WHO GETS GUM DISEASE?

Risk Groups

People generally do not notice gum problems until the ages of 30–40. Men are more prone to developing gum disease than women. Young people usually have gingivitis; periodontitis is rarely seen at a young age. With many factors coming into play (age, sex, dietary habits, smoking, systemic diseases, etc.), gum disease mostly occurs when bacteria breach the gums' defensive barrier and advance into deeper tissues.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE GUM DISEASE?

Please Do Not Treat Yourself — Always See a Specialist

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Receding gums / teeth appearing longer

All of these findings may be signs of serious gum problems that require examination by a periodontist. During the examination, to reach an accurate diagnosis your doctor may;

• ask about your medical history and habits (smoking, etc.),
• use periodontal indices to assess the degree of gum inflammation,
• take measurements of the gum pockets with fine periodontal probes (this is usually painless),
• support the diagnosis with X-rays.