Bad breath. A constant bad, metallic taste in the mouth. Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth. Sensitive gums and teeth. Loose teeth. Add them all together and it could well be symptomatic of periodontal disease or gum inflammation.
If you have it, at least you won’t feel left out. About 85% of the world’s population have some form of gum disease, and about 15% have a significant degree of periodontitis, the more serious form of gum disease.
So what is it exactly? It’s a chronic bacterial infection that attacks the structure — the gums, ligaments and bone — that holds your teeth in place.
Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth that is the basis of plaque — a colourless, sticky film that forms on the surface of your teeth and gums. (Don’t be shocked about having bacteria in your mouth, as we all harbour colonies of up to 25 000 different species of bacteria.)
Untreated, periodontal disease can result in inflamed gums that recede to loosen the teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss.
Healthy gums and teeth are discernible when the gums are tightly applied to the teeth and have a distinct scalloped appearance around each tooth. When the bacterial plaque settles it becomes gingivitis. Left untreated it leads to periodontitis, which in turn leads to advanced periodontitis, when your teeth can literally fall out of your mouth.
But what was once thought of as just a dental problem only affecting teeth and gums has turned out to have more ominous aspects. It is now believed that the disease can increase the chance of heart attacks by up to 25% and that it can increase the risk of strokes by a factor of 10.
The reasons for this are because the bacteria gets into the blood stream and then attaches to the fatty plaques in the blood vessels in and around the heart, which contributes to clotting that obstructs normal blood flow.
More than that, periodontal disease in pregnant women has also been linked to premature births and underweight newborn babies.
It is also known to create problems for type I and type II diabetics in trying to control their blood glucose levels. Respiratory disease, pancreatic cancer and digestive disorders are also linked to the disease.
Much of this is preventable with good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day is the perfect starting point. Flossing gently once a day is also a very good idea.
Adding to that regime, consider gargling with a good antibacterial mouthwash at least once a day.
Avoiding sugary foods and sweets is always a good idea.
Seeing your dentist every six months should be compulsory and seeing an oral hygienist every six months for a professional clean is also highly recommended.
Other measures include increasing your consumption of dairy products. The American Academy of Periodontology conducted a research survey that demonstrated that those with a higher consumption of milk, cheese and yoghurt have a lower instance of gum disease.
Mothers who are breastfeeding also need a calcium-rich diet.
Research in Japan has shown that nursing mothers are at risk of weakening the bone structures around their teeth if they do not take in enough calcium.
Diabetics are at risk of periodontal disease and smokers are seven times more at risk.
Stress also takes its toll, as can many drugs such as birth control pills, steroids, anti-seizure and cancer medicines and blood pressure tablets.
Periodontal disease is not something that should be ignored. You should see your dentist if your gums start to bleed, are swollen and sore, change colour (if they become very red or very pale), if you have constant bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth for no discernible reason, or if your teeth start to ache or become loose.
Periodontal disease will be the topic of Bonitas House Call at 9am on October 15 on SABC2