Gum disease and systemic diseases

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, affects the supporting structures of the tooth, namely, the gums (gingiva), bone, and periodontal ligaments (connective tissue). Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. It is bacterial in nature and completely preventable. It occurs as a result of loss of connective tissue and destruction of the alveolar bone (socket which holds the tooth), caused by bacterial infection. Intervention measures must be taken to halt the loss of connective tissue and reduce the pocket depth between gums and the teeth.

Causes

Gum disease is caused by bacterial microorganisms that are always present in the mouth. Bacteria convert foods into acids. When bacteria come into contact with saliva, food and acids, plaque is formed. Plaque build up can begin within 20 minutes after a meal, forming on the tooth's surface and along the gum line. If plaque is not removed timeously, it becomes hard and forms a deposit called tartar. Plaque and tartar release chemicals that destroy the gums, bone and connective tissue that attaches the tooth to the bone. The tooth will eventually become loose and the gums will start bleeding.

Signs and symptoms

Gum disease is characterised by:

• mouth sores
• loose teethhalitosis (bad breath)
• swollen, shiny, red, tender and bleeding gums.

Prevention

Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, although it is preventable. The following measures are important in preventing risk and reducing the severity of gum disease:

• Follow a good home-care oral hygiene regimen.
• Maintain good dietary habits and minimise snacking in between meals.
• Rinse or brush after eating to get rid of food debris.
• Have regular professional prophylactic treatment (professional teeth cleaning).
• Use the proper brushing technique, as advised by a dental practitioner.
• Your dentist may also recommend using mouthwash.
• Visit a dentist for a proper assessment and advice on keeping your gums healthy.

Other complications

Studies have shown that there is an established relationship between gum disease and the following conditions, which affect other parts of the body:

Diabetes mellitus

It has been discovered that gum disease may aggravate and contribute to the development of pre-diabetic characteristics. On the other hand, diabetics tend to have worse gum disease than non-diabetics. This is due to the slowing down of the flow of nutrients and removal of harmful wastes as well as the presence of high sugar levels in the mouth. It has also been discovered that pregnant women with gum disease have an increased risk of developing diabetes during their pregnancy period (gestational diabetes).

 
Coronary artery disease

Studies show that gum disease is also more frequent and severe in people with heart conditions than people without heart conditions.

 
Gum disease and lung conditions

People with chronic lung conditions such as asthma have more severe gum disease. On the other hand, people with a certain level of gum disease are at a higher risk of developing lung conditions. 

Heart conditions

People with both heart conditions and gum disease are believed to be at a higher risk of suffering heart attacks in the future. Treating gum disease in people with heart conditions is believed to reduce this risk.

Pregnancy and gum disease  

Studies suggest that gum disease during pregnancy increases the risk for low birth weight in babies, pre-eclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pre-eclampsia refers to a medical condition where high blood pressure rises in pregnancy and may affect both the mother and the foetus.  

References

1. DLAMINI-ZAMA NC, Dr. Minister of Health. 9 October 1997. Speech at the 6th World Congress on Preventative Dentistry. Website: http://www.info.gov.za/speeches/1997/102753397.htm
2. RABABA'H, TA, AJMAN'S, F & AL-OMARI, MA. 1998. Oral Health Survey at an air base in Jordan, Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. 4(2) 332 - 337.
3. SCHAEFER, Arne S. et al. Identification of a Shared Genetic Susceptibility Locus for Coronary Heart Disease and Periodontitis. PLoS Genetics. 5(2).
4. UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO NEWS CENTRE. ScienceDaily.
15 March 1999. Bacteria From Gum Infections Associated With Diabetes, Chronic Lung Disease.
19 March 2007. Periodontal Diseases May Aggravate Pre-diabetic Characteristics. 
4 April 2009. New Evidence of Periodontal Disease Leading To Gestational Diabetes.
1 November 2006. Periodontal Therapy Helps Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.  .
8 January 2009. Treating Gum Disease Linked To Lower Medical Costs for Patients with Diabetes.
13 November 2000. New Research Finds Link Between Gum Diseases, Acute Heart Attacks.
27 October 2004. Further Evidence Reveals The Association Between Periodontal Disease And Coronary Artery Disease. 
24 February 2009. Periodontitis and Myocardial Infarction: A Shared Genetic Predisposition.
7 February 2006. Periodontitis Is Associated With Pregnancy Complications.
5 May 2006. Periodontitis may increase C-reactive protein Levels in pregnancy.
28 November 2007. Treating Your Periodontal Pockets May Benefit Your Pocket Book.
8 January 2009. Treating Gum Disease Linked To Lower Medical Costs for Patients with Diabetes.
4 March 2007. Treatment For Gum Disease Could Also Help The Heart.
6 January 2006. Treating Gum Disease May Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease.
9 January 2008. Healthy Smile May Promote A Healthy Heart.
5. WOLF BERRY WONDER. Oral Health as a reflection of overall health.
 Website: http://www.wolfberrywonder.co.za