Periodontal Disease: How To Protect Your Teeth/Gum | Arthritis Information

 

Millions of people have periodontal (gum) disease and many don't even know they have it. Are you one of them?

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It is caused by the plaque-forming bacteria in your mouth. While brushing and flossing removes most plaque, it is impossible to remove all of it. The remaining plaque hardens into tartar. When this tartar forms under the gumline, it can irritate and infect the gums, leading to gum disease.

The good news is that periodontal disease is easily preventable. The Pennsylvania Dental Association (PDA) reminds the public about the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Periodontal disease has two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. The first stage, gingivitis, is the early stage of periodontal disease, where the bacteria get in between the tooth and gum, causing inflammation. During this early stage, daily brushing and flossing can likely reverse periodontal disease.

If left untreated, periodontitis, the more advanced stage of periodontal disease, can develop, causing irreversible damage to the gums, teeth and surrounding bones. Periodontitis is more serious because the tissue that holds the teeth to the bone is destroyed, causing tooth roots to be exposed and increasing decay, inflammation and receding gums, resulting in possible tooth loss.

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease, including the use of tobacco; certain systematic diseases, such as diabetes; some types of medication, including steroids and various anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives; bridges that no longer fit properly; crooked teeth; fillings that have become defective and pregnancy.

"Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease," said Dr. David Shemo, a PDA member and general dentist from Wilkes-Barre. "Their theory is that oral bacteria can affect the heart when it enters the blood stream, attaching to fatty plaques in the heart's blood vessels and contributing to clot formation."

PDA offers the following tips to maintain optimal dental health and prevent periodontal disease:

-- Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. Brushing and flossing helps to remove the plaque and food particles from the surface of the teeth and between the teeth where a toothbrush can't reach. Replace your toothbrush every few months or when the bristles become frayed or worn. Using a fluoride toothpaste and antibacterial mouthrinse is another way to help keep tooth decay at bay.

-- Eat a nutritious and well-balanced diet. Choose a variety of nutritious foods from the five main food groups: grain, dairy, fruits, vegetables and meat/poultry.

-- Visit the dentist at least every six months for oral health checkups and professional cleaning.

-- Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any symptoms of periodontal disease, as early detection is key. Symptoms of periodontal disease include red, swollen or tender gums or gums that bleed easily or are pulling away from the teeth; chronic bad breath or bad taste in the mouth; permanent teeth that are loose or separating; pus appearing between the teeth and gums when gums are pressed; changes in teeth alignment when you bite and changes in the fit of partial dentures.

For more information on other oral health topics, visit PDA's website at http://www.padental.org.

Pennsylvania Dental Association
http://www.padental.org
thanks for that Lynn.........  it's important for those of us w/ lessened moisture either from sjogrens or medications to be particularly careful about this....

A little late for me I'm afnaid as I found out last week that I have the very early stages of periodontal disease.  Not gingivitis, but not quite into periodontal disease.  They wanted to do what is called a "deep" cleaning or root scaling and planing.  Of course I asked my RD and she said not to have it done because of the risk of infection so I cancelled.  I guess it's better to lose all my teeth?   Nice read though...informative.Some RAers may have issues with hands or range of motion, so an electric toothbrush may help, and does a good job on that durn plaque buildup.  If one can't floss, ask your dental hygienist for any tools or aids that might subsitute for flossing.

Also, my dental hygienist suggested chewing sugarless gum with xylitol.  It helps with dry mouth and the xylitol fights (or eats--something like that) bacteria.  She also mentioned she saw a mouthwash (Tom's brand) with xylitol.

Having cleanings every six months is important, but those without insurance, look into dental schools that may offer free or discounted prices.
They aren't calling mine periondotist disease yet; but mines pretty bad. I go every three months to have this deep cleaning stuff. It's not as bad now as it was because of the repeat visits and a sonic care tooth brush. They tell me the tooth brush has made a big difference. I'll have to admit; I'm not that good at flossing.

I have cleaning every 3 months, deep cleaning on one quadrant every 6 months. brush twice a day, floss daily and I still ended up with an abcessed tooth and a root canal.  My gums have gotten worse in the last year and I attribute it to the increase in MXT and starting Humira.  My next purchase is a sonic care tooth brush.  I've done everything right but I still ended up with a severe problem.  I plan on keeping to this schedule and hopefully they'll be no more problems.  Lindy

I've used an electric toothbrush for a several years now, and I think it has helped a lot, especially since I have dexterity and range of motion issues with hands and elbows.

I use a Sonic brand which is highly recommended by dentists.

Lin, aren't you in Mexico?  Vit C may help with healthier gums, so eat lots of papayas!
Joie, I'm in the states now and sooooo sick.  I got back to the states on Thursday and was hit with food posioning yesterday.  I'm one sick little puppy but it's getting better.  Pretty sad that I had to come back to the U.S. and get this.  I had the abcess and root canal done in Mexico and believe me I get plenty of Vitamin C.  In fact I had to lay off eating so many fruits because the citric acid irritated the inside of my mouth.  Lindy

oh Lindy I'm sorry you're sick!!!

I also have a Sonic care brush....... LOVE IT and I feel it's working   I have water pik too.... I am afraid of cutting gums w/ regular floss... this works great!!

Lin,

Hope you feel better real soon!  You got food poisoning when got back to the states?  that's sorta ironic.

Rest up, take care, be well!

I have the sonic care toothbrush as well.  And I too am not great at flossing because of lost range of motion in my right wrist.  I picked up one of those nice little reach flossing tools where you remove and replace the used flossing head.  This thing is the greatest and has been out for quite some time so it should be easy to find anywhere.  The heads are a little expensive though. Thanks Bob, I actually ate a little this evening, the first in 36 hours.  That's great news for you.  I'm glad you went for another opinion.  LindyI've learned in the past year that when it comes to something that serious....ALWAYS seek a second opinion.
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