Gum Care: The Key to Keeping Your Teeth and Sweet Breath

The health of the gums around the teeth is affected by how we cleanse our teeth and mouth. Bacterial plaque around the teeth and gums can lead to inflammation, a redness and swelling of the gums. Such inflammation may lead to gingivitis or periodontal disease, both of which can contribute to severe medical problems elsewhere in the body. See Mouth Care: Why It Improves More Than Your Smile.

GINGIVITIS

Gingivitis is an inflamed, swollen, painful condition of the gums caused by specific bad bacteria that have been allowed to accumulate around and under the gums. The white blood cells (WBCs) of the immune system respond to the bacteria by recognizing specific patterns on the bacteria. This interaction between the bacteria and the immune system initiates a series of events that causes inflammation.

In gingivitis there is no loss of bone or gum around the tooth, like there is in periodontitis. However, bacteria can enter blood vessels and go to other organs if the gingivitis bacteria get past the immune system. Hormonal changes that occur in pregnancy can also contribute to gingivitis.

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

In periodontal disease, a different group of bacteria are present under the gum. Again, the interplay between the immune system and the bad bacteria can cause bone loss and loss of the fibers holdings the gums to the teeth. This destruction creates the periodontal pocket where the bacteria thrive and feed on the fluid in the periodontal pocket.

This disease occurs in the crevices around a tooth (shown in red). A normal healthy crevice is 1-3 millimeters (1/8 inch) deep. A diseased crevice can be
5-8 millimeters (3/16 to 5/16 inch) deep. A deep crevice harbors bacteria that cause the destruction.

Periodontitis: Picture showing loss of bone and gum from the infection

Bacteria residing at these depths can survive without oxygen. They are very organized and aggressive in fighting the immune system.

Healthy gums show biofilm on the left with few bacteria eria or WBCs
Gingivitis shows biofilm in the center with various bacteria and WBCs
Periodontitis shows biofilm on the right with organized bacteria and a severe inflammation with a large number of immune cells, WBCs on the right

More tooth loss is caused by gum disease than cavities. Also, the bacteria infection of the gums is the most common cause of bad breath. By taking care of your gums, you protect your mouth and attractiveness.

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*Dr.Paul Keyes, Dr Thomas Ram’s article Jan 1993 Newsletter (International Academy of Periodontology)

 

Cleansing your mouth should be done each day after breakfast and before going to bed to minimize bacterial build up. Establishing a daily routine to cleanse the mouth of bad bacteria will improve your gum health and help you avoid costly dental treatment. Cleaning of the teeth by the hygienist every six month aids in preventing dental diseases.

PREVENTION

Bacteria accumulate in the crevice, multiply rapidly, and then cover themselves with a biofilm covering that is difficult to penetrate. To prevent infection bacteria must be removed daily.

Removing bacteria that are attached to the tooth deep in the crevice requires the use of a cleaning agents that can go between the tooth and down under the gum. Dental floss when wrapped around the root of the tooth and pulled back and forth to rub the root can work, if done daily and before the hard covering is formed. There are small brushes that can work.

The use of dental floss, a WaterPik, (WP) and toothpaste used with a powered brush used in this sequence is the preferred regimen for removing bacteria. Since these cleaning agents do not kill bacteria, a bacteria-killing agent can be added to the WP solution; however, this requires irrigating the WP after use with a clean solution of water to protect the rubber “o” rings of the WP. Also, the tongue harbors a reservoir of bacteria that should be removed daily with a tablespoon turned upside down and scraped over the tongue. Go to www.waterpik.com to view waterpiks.

Cleansing of the mouth should be done each day after breakfast and before going to bed to minimize bacterial build up. Establishing a daily routine to cleanse the mouth of bad bacteria will improve your gum health and help you avoid costly dental treatment. Also six mouth cleaning of the teeth aids in preventing dental diseases.