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Why flossing might just save your life
Gum disease is one of the most common causes of tooth loss but it can also increase your risk of a heart attack, writes Dr Paul O'Reilly.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, is an infection of the soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. Bacterial gums infections can destroy the attachment fibres and supporting bone that holds your teeth in your mouth. If gums become damaged tooth loss can be inevitable. As a result, gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gum disease is also associated with an increased risk of heart disease and below normal birth weight babies. In fact people with periodontitis may have double the risk of developing heart disease. Evidence is also emerging which shows that people with diabetes who can control their gum disease can also control their diabetes better.
Oral health and hygiene are crucially important to our overall health. Ancient Hebrews believed the body was a house and the mouth was the doorway. It had to be kept scrupulously clean to prevent contamination. Both ancient Greeks and Romans emphasized the inter-relationship between the mouth and other illnesses.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly coats our teeth. If this plaque is not removed through proper brushing and flossing and overall dental hygiene it turns into a hard substance called calculus. Calculus leaches out bacterial toxins into the surrounding gum tissue. Gums then become puffy, red and bleed.
There are over 400 species of bacteria in your mouth and over 1 billion bacteria per square centimetre, so it is vital to keep them under control with good dental care.
Over time the plaque and calculus spread below the gum line and chronic inflammation then begins. The body essentially turns in on itself and the ligament and bone of the tooth socket are broken down and destroyed.
The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this stage the gums can become red and swollen. They may also bleed easily. This is quite a painless period, which may explain why people tend to ignore it, or not even notice they have it. Gum disease, at this stage, can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
The more advanced stage is known as periodontitis. It is at this stage that the gums pull away from the teeth and the supporting bone starts to dissolve away. Again pain is rarely associated with these changes. The teeth may become loose and eventually fall out or they may have to be removed by your dentist. After the age of 25 periodontitis is the leading cause of tooth loss.
Among the factors which increase your risk of gum disease are smoking, diabetes, age, medications, genetic disposition, poor nutrition, excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth and stress.
Research has shown there is a relationship between infection and heart disease and periodontitis is a chronic infection. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream through the gums. These bacteria may either create blood clots or cause inflammation that contributes to clot formation. Clots can obstruct normal blood flow, restricting the amount of nutrients and oxygen required for the heart to function properly. This can lead to a heart attack. People with periodontitis may have double the risk of developing heart disease.
What signs should I look out for?
If you think you have gum disease, it is essential that you visit your dentist. The signs you need to look for are:
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Gums that bleed easily.
- Gums that appear to have pulled away from the teeth.
- Loose teeth.
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
- Pus between your teeth and gums.
- Bad breath.
What should I do?
Good dental hygiene is essential in order to prevent gum disease. Make sure you brush your teeth properly twice a day with a toothbrush that is in good condition.
Ensure you clean in between your teeth every day. Flossing will remove bacteria and food particles from the areas a toothbrush can?t reach. Early gum disease can often be reversed by proper brushing and flossing.
It is essential to visit your dentist regularly.
Dr Paul O'Reilly is a Dublin based dentist.
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