PATIENT TEACHING AID N O I T A R O F R E P G N O L A R A E T

Bacteria in Plaque Attacks

Gum disease is a common problem in this country, affecting more than three fourths of the popula- tion older than 35 years. The mildest form of gum disease, gingivitis, is an infection of the gum tis- sues. The gum tissue becomes inflamed because of the plaque that forms on teeth. This sticky cover- 5 0 0

2 ing must be removed regularly through brushing and flossing since it contains bacteria, which . A . attack gum tissue and cause infection. If plaque is allowed to remain on the teeth for 24 to 72 M ,

K hours, it hardens to form tartar, which can only be removed by professional . U I B I Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to a more serious form of gum disease known as peri- K .

V odontitis. Periodontitis is an infection that spreads below the gum line and weakens the connective A I

D tissue and bone that hold teeth in place. This more serious condition can eventually result in per- Y L : manent loss. In fact, the leading cause of in adults is gum disease, a totally preventable N O I

T condition that most people do not understand well. Close attention to good , including A R

T brushing twice daily and flossing daily, as well as professional cleaning twice a year, can mean the S U

L difference between a healthy mouth and tooth loss. L I L A C I Copyright Jobson Publishing, L.L.C., 2005

D continued E M PATIENT TEACHING AID

Good Dental Hygiene A Must

With an estimated 80% of American adults suffering from some form of gum disease, has been called a “silent epidemic.” Periodontal (gum) disease, however, is entirely preventable in most patients. There are two types of gum disease: The milder form is gingivitis, and the more serious form, periodontitis. Basically, Plaque is composed of bacteria, gingivitis is the early stage of gum infection due to bacteria mucus, food particles, and that have been allowed to build up on teeth. It can be con- other substances that are found trolled, treated, and reversed with proper brushing, flossing, around the base of teeth. and regular dental check-ups. If left untreated, gingivitis can Buildup can cause the gums advance to periodontitis, a much more serious condition. In to become red and swollen advanced disease, the gums recede away from the teeth, form- and to bleed easily. ing pockets where bacterial infection can actually damage the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Periodontitis can result in permanent tooth loss.

Risk Factors: Factors that make people more susceptible to gingivitis include smoking or chew- ing tobacco, improperly fitting bridges, diabetes, immunosuppressive diseases, and pregnancy. Certain drugs can make a patient more likely to develop gum inflammation, including those that suppress the immune system (steroids, cancer treatments), birth control pills, some epilepsy medications, and certain calcium channel blockers used for heart disease. There is also a known genetic link to gum disease; even with excellent oral hygiene, some are still prone to this condition.

Symptoms and Diagnosis: It is possible to have gingivitis and not be aware of it. Symptoms of gum inflammation that may indicate a problem include red, puffy, tender gums that can bleed slightly when teeth are brushed or bleed after flossing. Bad breath, pain when chewing, or sensitive teeth may also be warning signs of gum disease. The diagnosis of gingivitis can be made during a routine dental cleaning. At that time, the or hygienist examines the gums for inflammation or bleeding. The gum pockets around each tooth are measured to determine if there is any gum loss, and an x-ray will reveal if there is any bone loss. The dentist will advise you to see a specialized dentist (periodontist) if these serious signs of periodontitis, which require evaluation and treatment, are present. Scientists are currently investigating whether there is a relationship between periodontal disease and other conditions, such as heart disease, poor blood sugar control in diabetics, and preterm labor during pregnancy. It is thought that chronic, low-grade infection of the gum tissues may have a relationship to diseases elsewhere in the body, and control of periodontal disease can mean better control of these diseases, too.

Prevention and Treatment: Since gingivitis, periodontitis, and eventual tooth loss are totally preventable, it is critical to develop good dental hygiene as a habit at a young age. Brushing thoroughly removes plaque on the areas of the teeth the brush can reach. Motorized tooth- brushes may be more effective in removing plaque than a manual . In addition, floss- ing removes the plaque from between the teeth and below the gum line. For treatment of gingivitis, your dentist or periodontist may recommend toothpaste to pre- vent gingivitis or prescribe a mouth rinse that has been approved to prevent gingivitis. These treatments are used along with a plan for good dental hygiene, which includes brushing twice daily, flossing daily, and professional cleaning twice each year. If you are diagnosed with gin- givitis, the good news is you will see healthy, pink gums again if you follow this advice. Your pharmacist can recommend oral hygiene products that will help keep your mouth healthy.