Preventing Gum Disease

Adults past the age of 35 lose more teeth to gum diseases than from cavities. Three out of four adults are affected at some time in their life. The best way to prevent cavities and Periodontal Diseases is by good tooth brushing and flossing techniques, performed daily, and regular professional examinations and cleanings. Unfortunately, even with the most diligent home dental care, people still can develop some forms of periodontal disease. Once this disease starts, professional intervention is necessary to control its progression.

Other important factors affecting the health of your gums include:

• Tobacco usage
• Diabetes 
• Stress 
• Clenching and grinding teeth 
• Medications 
• Poor nutrition 

Periodontal Disease and Tobacco

You are probably familiar with the links between tobacco use and lung disease, cancer and heart disease.  Studies have also linked periodontal disease with tobacco usage.  Periodontal disease in tobacco users is often more severe than non-users.  However, because symptoms may be hidden by the chemicals found in tobacco, the detection of gum disease is often more difficult in tobacco users. In addition, the chemicals in tobacco, such as nicotine and tar, slow down healing and the predictability of success following periodontal treatment.  Your chance of developing oral cancer increases with the use of smokeless tobacco.

Problems caused by tobacco include:

Lung disease, heart disease, cancer, mouth sores, gum recession, loss of bone and teeth, bad breath, tooth staining, and less success with periodontal treatment and with dental implants.

Quitting tobacco will reduce the chance of developing the above problems.

Diabetes and Oral Health

Individuals suffering from diabetes, especially uncontrolled diabetics, have a higher risk of developing bacterial infections of the mouth. These infections may impair your ability to process insulin, resulting in greater difficulty with controlling your diabetes. Periodontal diseases will be more severe than those of a non-diabetic and treatment is more difficult. 

Steps to prevent periodontal disease include daily brushing and flossing to remove plaque from your teeth and gums, regular dental visits for professional cleaning, and regular periodontal evaluations. Your health professional must also be told of your history and the current status of your condition.  And finally, you can help resist periodontal infection by maintaining control of your blood sugar levels.

Women and Periodontal Health

Throughout a woman’s life, hormonal changes affect tissue throughout the body.
Fluctuations in levels occur during puberty, pregnancy and menopause.  At these times, the chance of periodontal disease may increase, requiring special care of your oral health.

Puberty

During puberty, there is increased production of hormones.  These higher levels increase gum sensitivity and lead to greater irritations from plaque and food particles. The gums can become swollen, turn red and feel tender. 

Menstruation

Similar symptoms occasionally appear several days before menstruation.  There can be bleeding of the gums, bright red swelling between the teeth and gum, or sores on the inside of the cheek.  The symptoms clear up once the period has started. As the amount of hormones decrease, so do these problems.

Pregnancy

Your gums and teeth are also affected during pregnancy.  Between the second and eighth month, your gums may also swell, bleed and become red or tender.  Large lumps may appear as a reaction to local irritants.  However, these growths are generally painless and not cancerous.  They may require professional removal, but usually disappear after pregnancy.

Periodontal health should be part of your prenatal care.  Any infections during pregnancy, including periodontal infections, can place a baby’s health at risk.  The best way to prevent periodontal infections is to begin with healthy gums and continue to maintain your oral health with proper home care and careful periodontal monitoring.

Oral contraceptives

Swelling, bleeding and tenderness of the gums may also occur when you are taking oral contraceptives, which are synthetic hormones. You must mention any prescriptions you are taking, including oral contraceptives, prior to medical or dental treatment.  This will help eliminate the risk of drug interactions, such as antibiotics with oral contraceptives – where the effectiveness of the contraceptive can be lessened. 

Menopause

Changes in the look and feel of your mouth may occur if you are menopausal or post-menopausal.  They include feeling pain and burning in your gum tissue and salty, peppery or sour tastes.  Careful oral hygiene at home and professional cleaning may relieve these symptoms. There are also saliva substitutes to treat the effects of “dry mouth.”

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis may be related to periodontal diseases.  If you have osteoporosis or are taking any medication for low bone density it is important to inform Dr. Colón before treatment.  If possible, we recommend a periodontal evaluation prior to commencing drug treatment (particularly bisphosphonate medications) for osteopenia or osteoporosis.