GUM DISEASE: what it is, how it evolves Tooth divides into 2 parts: Periodontium Crown Crown consists of 4 components is the visible part we bite with Gum or gingiva Root the pink, visible cover is the invisible part, which Periodontal ligament fixes the tooth to the bone attachment fibres fastening and bone to the gum tooth to the bone through the periodontium Root Cementum (tissues that surround & support the tooth) covering & holding the root Alveolar bone where the root is anchored HEALTHY

0-2 mm deep

Most pregnant women do suffer gum disease to a greater or lesser degree

Gum disease (periodontal disease) begins at the gingival sulcus, the covering soft tissue around the neck of the teeth and shows itself by gum bleeding, e.g. after toothbrushing

PROGRESSION OF GUM DISEASE:

1 GINGIVITIS

Poor Diseases Pregnancy Smoking hormones oral hygiene & other factors

food debris accumulates body reacts between by sending the tooth and healing gingival sulcus deepens & turns the gum line, so & immune cells to the into an may trigger dental plaque bacteria increased increases further gingiva unhealthy gum gingivitis blood flow pocket as lack of proper proliferate produces red, but attachment oral hygiene & plaque swollen, tender fibres remain allows the mineralises gums prone to intact so there is accummulation (tartar builds bleeding no irreversible of bacteria up on teeth) damage

Solution: mechanical plaque removal by professionals + good oral hygiene, brushing twice a day including interdental cleaning if advised by your periodontist/dentist/hygienist 3-5 mm deep

If untreated, gingivitis aggravates & may evolve into periodontitis as

gum pocket deepens

attachment fibres irreversible, are destroyed chronic condition

bacteria keep proliferating infection worsens

irreparable damage: periodontal attachment loss

2 PERIODONTITIS

bacteria multiply and gums recede destruction progress of tooth- downwards Gum pocket supporting grows, so bone unassisted soft tissue exposed roots tooth plaque removal is become mobility becomes destroyed apparent & loose physically tooth impossible

Treatment: scaling / root planing + oral hygiene improvement + follow-up by your periodontist/dentist/hygienist 5-7 mm deep

Make sure that gum disease does not become an issue during pregnancy

The EFP thanks Oral-B for its support and its unrestricted grant.

Visit our site: oralhealthandpregnancy.efp.org