gum disease

Periodontal disease (Gum Disease) is a serious infection of the gums and supporting tissue of the teeth.

Bleeding gums are the first signs of active gum disease which, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss.

Statistics from the department of health ‘adult dental survey’ states:

*54% of adults aged over 16 had moderate signs of periodontal disease in one or more teeth.
5% of the population, the majority of who were aged over 65 years, has more severe periodontal disease.

The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colourless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums:

Smoking.
Systemic diseases.
Genetics.
Stress.
Medication.
Puberty, Pregnancy and Menopause.

Find out more about these topics at: www.perio.org

Smoking increases the risk of developing chronic lung disease, lung cancer, premature birth, heart disease and stroke. It also increases the risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetics. Smoking is also a major risk factor for developing periodontal (gum) disease.

People who smoke are four times more likely to have periodontal disease than non-smokers.
The heavier you smoke, the more likely you are to have a more severe case of periodontal disease.
People, who continue to smoke while being treated for periodontitis, will have ~ 50% of the healing response of non-smokers.

Smokers may not have the usual first signs of gum disease such as redness, swelling, and bleeding. The nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels and impairs this response. However, if you look deeper, other signs of periodontal disease are present such as bone loss and periodontal pockets.

* figures from Department of Health