Gum Disease for Teenager
Gum Disease for Adults
Gum Disease for Elderly
What is gum disease?
Gum disease refers to unhealthy gums and are characterised by stages of severity.
- Gingivitis is a milder stage where only the superficial layer of the gums is affected.
- Periodontitis is more severe. The disease proceeds to involve the roots of the teeth and may affect the bone below.
Gingivitis is the commonest gum disease in adolescents. Rarely, more advanced forms of periodontitis can occur.
What causes gum disease?
The main cause of gum disease is dental plaque. Other contributing factors include : Local factor :
- Limited or reduced ability to brush and remove plaque effectively.
- Smoking or tobacco use.
- Wearing orthodontic appliance.
- Habits of clenching or grinding of teeth.
- Diabetes
Systemic factor :
- Genetics.
- Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy.
- Stress.
- Side effect of certain medications for medical problems.
- Poor nutrition.
- Systemic disease which reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. e.g: diabetes and HIV/AIDS.
How can you know if you have gum disease?
Many people have gum disease without knowing it. Unhealthy gums often do not hurt at all but it may bleed on brushing and flossing.
Sign and symptom of periodontium (gum) disease includes
- Redness and swelling of the gums.
- Receeding gums (gums pulled away from the tooth).
- Pus discharge around the teeth.
- Bad breath (halitosis).
- Persistent bad taste in the mouth.
- Loosening of the teeth.
There is good news though
Periodontal disease (gingivitis) in its early stage can be treated by regular and effective tooth brushing and seeking early treatment. Visit your dentist for advice and learn the correct methods of brushing.
What can you do to ensure gums stay healthy?
- Practice effective oral hygiene care :
- tooth brushing
- flossing
- Do not smoke.
- Have regular dental check-ups and seek treatment for dental problems.
Gum Disease for Adults
Overview
There are various stages of periodontal (gum) disease.
- Gingivitis is the earliest stage where only the gums (gingiva) are affected. Gingivitis can be treated and is reversible.
- Periodontitis is the advanced stage where the disease proceeds to the roots of the teeth and affects the supporting structures like the bone beneath.
Is periodontal (gum) disease common?
Yes, gum disease is rampant amongst the Malaysain. The National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2000, Ministry of Health Malaysia reported that 9 out of 10 dentate (with teeth) Malaysian adults were affected with different stages of periodontal (gum) disease.
What causes periodontal (gum) disease?
Dental plaque is the major cause of gum disease. Other contributing factors include: Local Factor :
- Calculus or hardened dental plaque.
- Tooth decay (dental caries)
- Denture
- Dry mouth
Systemic Factor :
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Stress
- Certain medications for medical problems such as epilepsy and high blood pressure.
- Hormonal changes in pregnancy.
What are the signs and symptom of periodontal (gum) disease?
These includes:
- Bleeding gum during brushing or eating
- Red and swollen gum
- Loose teeth
- Displaced teeth
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Receding gum
- Persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Occassionally pain
Some facts about periodontal (gum) disease.
- Diseased gum often does not hurt and many people are unaware that they have periodontal (gum) disease.
- Temporary gum tenderness or inflammation may occur during menstruation/menses or pregnancy.
- Periodontal (gum) disease may lead to bad breath, bleeding gums and unsightly appearance, which are socially unacceptable.
- Tooth loss.
How to prevent this periodontal (gum) disease?
- Practise regular good oral hygiene care.
- Tooth brushing
- Flossing
- Mouthrinses
- Eat well balanced meals and limit sugary snacks or drinks.
- Do not smoke
- Regular visit to the dentist.
Gum Disease for Elderly
Overview
Gum disease in the early stage is known as gingivitis where only the gums are affected.
Gingivitis
Periodontitis is the more advanced stage where the disease spreads to the roots of the teeth and affects the supporting structures like the bone beneath. Periodontitis is one of the main causes for tooth loss in older people.
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Examples of periodontitis
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Is the disease common?
Yes, it is a common disease. The National Oral Health Survey of Adults 2000, Ministry of Health Malaysia reported that 9 out of 10 of dentate age category 55 and above (with teeth) Malaysian adults were affected with gum disease.
What causes gum disease?
Dental Plaque is the primary cause of gum (periodontal) disease. However, there are other contributing factors such as: Local factor:
- Calculus
- Dirty or ill fitting denture
- Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Systemic factor :
- Smoking
- Stress
- Diabetes
- Certain medications for medical problems such as epilepsy and high blood pressure
- Hormonal deficiency especially in older women
What are the signs and symptoms of gum disease?
Many people have early gum disease without knowing it. The following signs may indicate gum disease:
- Bleeding gums on brushing or spontaneous
- Red and swollen gums
- Loose teeth
- Displaced teeth
- Teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
- Increase spacing between teeth
Without treatment, gum disease may cause:
- Frequent episodes of pain and swelling
- Tooth loss
What can you do to ensure gums stay healthy?
Periodontal (gum) disease can be prevented by:
- Good oral hygiene care
- Tooth brushing
- Flossing
- Regular dental check-ups
- Do not smoke
- If you have any medical illness, please make sure you visit your physician and follow their advise.
| Last reviewed | : | 20 April 2012 |
| Writer | : | Dr. Azillah bt. Mohd Ali |
| Dr. Che Noor Aini bt. Che Omar | ||
| Dr. Sharol Lail b. Sujak | ||
| Dr. Chew Yoke Yuen | ||
| Dr. Norrizan bt. Basir | ||
| Dr. Doreyat b. Jemun | ||
| Reviewer | : | Dr. Ahmad Sharifuddin b. Mohd Asari |
