Is There a Chance That You Have Gum Disease?
By Peter Griffith | Published on July 29, 2010 | 0 Comments
According to Peter Griffith D.D.S., an experienced family dentist in Sunnyvale, California, at any given time, 85% of the population has some form of gum disease—making it more common than having a cold or suffering from heart disease. Unfortunately, he says, many people are unaware of how serious their conditions may be.
If you forget to brush your teeth or don’t do so very well for just three days, you will have contracted an early predecessor of gum disease known as gingivitis. That’s all it takes, he says – just three days. The good news, Dr. Griffith explains, is that in the early stages, you can reverse gingivitis at home with a few weeks of rigorous brushing and flossing. But, be aware that just because you’ve rid yourself of this type gum disease now doesn’t mean that it won’t come back. If you become too lax again with your oral health routine then you can guarantee that gingivitis will return.
If a couple of weeks go by and you haven’t addressed your gingivitis problems, then tartar will start to grow and plaque will build, causing any gum disease to flare up even more. Once the tartar starts to harden, it becomes calculus, which can never be removed with a toothbrush, no matter how hard you brush. At this point in time, Dr. Griffith says that your only option is to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Once gum disease surpasses the stage of gingivitis, the infection is around your tooth and now involves your bones as well as your gums.
Gum disease, which is classified in three stages of early, moderate, and advanced, can very nearly affect any age group, Dr. Griffith says. Since the process is so slow, many people don’t notice that they have gum disease unless they are regularly visiting the dentist. Before the age of 20, he says, your gums and teeth are usually more resilient, but once you reach your 20’s, if you aren’t taking care of your gums, then the infection will start to eat away at the bones in your mouth and jaw. At this pace, Dr. Griffith says, by the time you’re 35, it’s very likely that you could be suffering from an advanced stage of gum disease that has subsequently destroyed the bone around your tooth even if you think that the tooth looks fine.
Because so much of the problem is taking place inside of your gums, it’s hard to spot an advanced case of gum disease on your own. But, says Dr. Griffith, there are some signs that you should pay attention to that can indicate a problem with your gums. For starters, he says, healthy gums will never bleed. Furthermore, healthy gums are bumpy like the texture of an orange peel and should always be light pink in color. If you notice that your gums appear to be a bit puffy or that your gums have a reddish line where they meet the enamel of your teeth, then you should use this as an indicator that you have at least some form of gum disease that needs to be treated.
When you finally do make an appointment with your dentist, he will measure the space between your gums and your teeth. According to Dr. Griffith, it is easiest to imagine this space or pocket as a moat around a castle. When your mouth is healthy, then there is no space and your gums are tight around your teeth, which prevents any bacteria from getting in. When infection sets in, however, then your gums will start to pull away from your teeth. The deeper this pocket becomes, he says, the harder it is to keep clean and the more advanced your gum disease is.
Unfortunately, Dr. Griffith explains, it is not possible to correct gum disease, but you can keep it from getting worse. You will need professional treatments though if your infection has become too advanced for any amount of toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash to handle.
When you have gum disease, you are putting your entire body at risk. Once the infection gets into your blood stream, there is a strong possibility that you may contract heart and kidney problems. Additionally, says Dr. Griffith, research has shown that pregnant women with gum disease run the risk of giving birth to babies with lower birth weights. Instead of putting yourself at risk, make sure to frequently visit your dentist and heed the advice that he gives you as to how to maintain your oral health.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.