Gum Disease__V8_BAJA

GUM DISEASE:

how you recognise it, how it progresses, how to tackle it

Tooth

Periodontium

Crown

divides into 2 parts:

is those tissues that surround & support the tooth – it consists of 4 components:

Crown

is the visible part we bite with

Gum or gingiva the pink, visible cover

Root

Root

is the invisible part which fixes the tooth to the bone

Periodontal ligament attachment fibres fastening tooth to the bone Cementum covering & holding the root Alveolar bone where the root is anchored

HEALTHY 0-3mm deep

Health begins with healthy gums Gum disease (periodontal disease) begins in the space between gum and teeth – the covering soft tissue around the neck of the teeth – and shows itself by gum bleeding, e.g. after brushing teeth

Gum disease is significantly associated with serious chronic conditions: Cerebrovascular disease

PROGRESSION OF GUM DISEASE: 1

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

GINGIVITIS

Heart disease Chronic kidney disease Type-2 diabetes

Poor oral hygiene

Smoking

Diseases & other factors

Pregnancy hormones

Obesity

Rheumatoid arthritis

may trigger gingivitis as lack of proper oral hygiene allows the accummulation of bacteria

food debris accumulates between the tooth and the gum line, so dental plaque increases

bacteria further proliferate & plaque mineralises (calculus builds up on teeth)

body reacts by sending healing & immune cells to the gingiva

attachment fibres remain intact so there is no irreversible damage

increased blood flow produces red, swollen, tender gums prone to bleeding

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

3-4mm deep

If untreated, gingivitis may evolve into periodontitis as... space between gum and tooth deepens to form a "pocket" irreversible, chronic condition

attachment fibres are destroyed

infection worsens

bacteria keep proliferating

irreparable damage: periodontal attachment loss 2

PERIODONTITIS bacteria multiply and progress downwards Gum pocket deepens so you cannot clean it effectively by yourself

gums recede

soft tissue is destroyed

destruction of toothsupporting bone tooth mobility & loose tooth

roots become exposed

Treatment: scaling / root surface debridement + oral hygiene improvement + follow-up by your periodontist / dentist / dental hygienist

4-7mm deep

If untreated, periodontitis turns more destructive and results in severe periodontitis as... teeth appear unnatural & fall out

bone loss becomes apparent

bacteria continue to proliferate, enter the bloodstream, and excite white blood cells – overall this may cause problems with vital body organs 3

SEVERE PERIODONTITIS masticatory dysfunction Pathological tooth loss

8+ mm deep

altered speech

serious aesthetic issue as facial contours change as cheeks collapse inward

risk of triggering or interaction with systemic diseases

Treatment scaling / root surface debridement + possible application of local or systemic antimicrobials + re-evaluation by your periodontist / dentist / hygienist after delivery and, if needed, periodontal surgery

12 May 2018, European Gum Health Day - an EFP initiative

Periodontal health for a better life Visit our website:

www.efp.org