Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
Dental disease – also referred to as gum disease or periodontal disease – is a condition in which the gums, teeth, and even the jawbone is afflicted by bacterial infection. Dental disease is very common: studies over the last two decades suggest that it is present in almost half of all adults aged 30 or older and in over 70 percent of those over the age of 65. Furthermore, while there are definitely symptoms that are often associated with it, it can sometimes have no warning signs at all.
What causes dental disease? What are its symptoms? Can anyone get it, and how? What are some risk factors for dental disease? Is it hereditary or contagious? How can it be treated?
Ultimate cause of dental disease
Dental disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth becoming over-abundant, leading to the production of acid that weakens teeth and the soft tissues around them. Essentially, what happens is this: there a wide range of naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth, including one called Streptococcus mutans. The bacteria are nourished by saccharides, the chemical classification for a number of compounds that include glucose (found in breads and other starches), fructose (found in fruits and in many sweeteners), lactose (found in milk and dairy products), and sucrose (found in sugar; in fact, a common name for saccharides is “sugars”). As it metabolizes these chemicals, S. mutans secretes lactic acid, which brings about a process called “demineralization” of tooth enamel.
This demineralization is countered by various ions found in saliva, which causes remineralization. However, sometimes the acid secreted can overpower the saliva, and demineralization can lead to cavities. Furthermore, the acid can roughen the surface of the tooth. This allows the bacteria to stick to the teeth and form a film called plaque, emitting acid directly onto the teeth. Gums are also sensitive to this acid, causing them to be inflamed. Worse, the plaque can go below the gum line, and its acids can attack the roots of teeth and the jaw itself.
Dental disease – symptoms
Dental disease doesn’t always have symptoms, and having symptoms often associated with dental disease does not necessarily mean it’s present.
That said, common symptoms of dental disease include:
- Gums that are red (even purple), swollen, and tender
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth (receding gums)
- Bleeding during brushing and especially during flossing
- Teeth that feel loose
- Pain while chewing
- Persistent bad breath that does not go away, even after brushing
Risk factors for gum disease
There are many risk factors for dental disease, the most significant being inattention to oral hygiene. The best way to keep plaque from forming: regular brushing and flossing, which sweep away the plaque before it can do much damage. Lapses in this routine can lead to plaque buildup and tooth damage.
Even very conscientious people can find it difficult to brush effectively if the teeth are crooked or too close together, which can lead to spots where the brush (and even floss) cannot reach. Missing teeth that have not been replaced by implants, dentures, or bridges can collect bacteria, as can bridges that no longer fit, and fillings that are going bad.
Risk factors for gum disease: tobacco and cannabis use
Saliva greatly helps undo the damage of demineralization. Anything that can dry out the mouth, then, can disrupt this process. Tobacco in all its forms does this, as does cannabis. Likewise, tobacco constricts the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow and thus the oxygen and blood supply to the gums that fight off bacterial infection.
Moreover, when tobacco is smoked, it produces carbon monoxide. This displaces oxygen in the blood’s hemoglobin, also depleting oxygen that gum tissues need to heal.
Risk factors for gum disease: medical conditions and medications
Certain medical conditions carry a greater risk of gum disease. These include Crohn’s disease, leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes, among others. Likewise, medications that cause dry mouth (like some blood pressure medicines) or weaken immune resistance (such as cancer medicines) will make a person more prone to dental disease.
Women are at an increased risk for gum disease as a result of hormonal changes, including those brought on by birth control, pregnancy, and the onset of menopause.
Risk factors for gum disease: heredity
Over the last forty years, more and more research has been dedicated to the question of whether genetics play a role in dental disease. The science is reasonably clear that heredity plays a significant part. For example, a 2017 study from Europe shows how genetics affect the production of a cytokine protein called interleukin, which can promote inflammation and periodontal damage. Those who produce more of this have been shown to be far more likely to have advanced periodontal disease than those without these genetic factors. Likewise, a set of studies from the University of Pittsburgh around 2010 show that some people are genetically disposed to make a deficient version of a protein called defensin, making them far less able to fight off periodontal inflammation.
Dental disease: diagnosis by professionals
It is important to know that none of these risk factors guarantee dental disease, and it can also occur in their absence. Only a dentist can determine if a patient has dental disease and, if so, the extent of it. However, a wide range of treatments exist that can correct dental disease before it leads to tooth loss. If dental disease is a concern, it is best to see a dentist that can determine the presence of periodontal disease and how to best treat it.