Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body

Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is inflammation and infection of the tissue supporting your teeth. Roughly half of all American adults aged 30 and older have some form of gum disease – the leading cause of tooth loss. More alarming, left untreated the condition is also known to increase the risk of diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

Hanae Saito, DDS, is a periodontist and clinical associate professor of oral advanced science and therapeutics at University of Maryland School of Dentistry. She explains that gum disease starts when bacterial plaque— a sticky film of bacteria, that hardens into tartar—is not removed regularly from the teeth and along the gumline. “Studies show that plaque can trigger gum inflammation in a relatively short period of time if left undisturbed,” says Saito. “This early inflammation, known as gingivitis, is often painless and can easily go unnoticed.”

While some individuals may have risk factors for gum disease—smoking, poorly controlled diabetes, family history, oral hygiene habits, stress, age, and certain medical conditions—risk varies by each patient. That is why consultation with a dentist for a custom evaluation is essential.

And because gum disease can begin without pain, it is also important to be aware of its symptoms including:

• gums that bleed easily
• red, swollen, tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• persistent bad breath or bad taste

If you notice symptoms, seek care immediately as early intervention can help prevent the progression of the disease and subsequent bone or tooth loss. “Gum disease can be managed effectively, especially when detected early,” explains Saito. “If you have concerns about your gum health, sooner is always better.”

That’s because gum disease can progress more quickly than many people realize. Plaque forms every day, and without regular and effective brushing and flossing, inflammation can develop within days to weeks. Over months or years, this inflammation can extend deeper under the gums, leading to more advanced periodontal disease and bone loss if not properly managed.

If gum disease has progressed, a dentist may refer a patient to a gum specialist—a periodontist—for evaluation and treatment. “More advanced cases may require deep cleaning, antimicrobial therapy, or periodontal surgery,” says Saito. “Ongoing maintenance care is essential to keep the disease under control.”

The American Dental Association explains that advanced gum disease is not curable, but it is manageable; periodontal treatment can reduce infection and rebuild some bone and tissue.

The best way to safeguard against gum disease is regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations, which is why the University of Maryland School of dentistry is taking this time of awareness to encourage everyone to schedule a comprehensive dental exam. And there’s plenty to be done at home to maintain a healthy smile: clean teeth twice a day, floss between teeth daily, and eat a balanced diet.

“Daily brushing and flossing disrupt plaque on the tooth surfaces and between the teeth, helping to control inflammation,” says Saito. “However, home care alone cannot reach all areas beneath the gums. Routine dental exams and professional cleanings remove plaque and calculus from these harder-to-reach areas and allow early signs of gum disease to be detected.”

She adds that this is especially important for patients with dental implants. While not all implants develop problems, some patients may experience an implant-related inflammatory condition, known as peri-implant disease, which can often be prevented or managed with appropriate maintenance care.

Periodontal disease can lead to bone loss and loss of teeth. But it does not have to be this way. With good oral hygiene habits and healthy lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of gum disease. And of course, schedule routine comprehensive dental exams.

To learn more, reach out to the University of Maryland School of Dentistry for evaluation and guidance.

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