About Gingivitis™ and Periodontitis

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums (gingiva), generally caused by a build up of plaque, which is a sticky matrix formed by oral bacteria. Plaque forms a layer over the surfaces of the gums and teeth, and the bacteria in the plaque release toxins, enzymes and metabolic products that cause local inflammation and damage the gum. This is why one of the signs of gingivitis is having gums that bleed easily. The removal or inhibition of microbial plaque can prevent development of gingivitis.

A large proportion of the population – as many as 70-90%^1,2, of the adult population – is estimated to have some degree of gum inflammation. Typically, gingivitis first occurs in puberty, although it is most common in older adults. It is a silent disease that can follow a chronic progression for many years without affecting other periodontal tissues.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis can develop when gingivitis is left untreated long term. Periodontitis is characterised by inflammation and loss of the bone that ‘houses’ the tooth in the jaw. The teeth become less securely attached, and untreated periodontitis therefore carries a risk of tooth loss³. Approximately 13% of the population may have periodontitis. People with diabetes may have an above average chance of developing periodontitis⁴.

If gingivitis is prevented or treated, this will prevent development of periodontitis⁵.

Complications of gum disease
The symptoms of mild gum disease are bleeding gums and halitosis (bad breath). The disease may progress to spontaneous bleeding with loss of bone tissue or tooth loss when the disease reaches its most severe level.

However, there are also more serious potential consequences. The barrier function of the gum is reduced in people with gingivitis. This means that toxins and bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the gum. The implications of this can be serious.

• Dental plaque bacteria, after entering the bloodstream, can become trapped in plaque within the arteries⁶. People with severe periodontal disease are more likely to have an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) or a stroke than those without^7,8.
• Patients with lung conditions may find that periodontal disease increases their chance of a respiratory tract infection^9,10.
• Periodontal disease in pregnancy is a strong predictor of premature birth, as plaque bacteria are thought to produce cervical/uterine inflammation and therefore premature birth^11,12.

In summary, there are strong arguments for the treatment and prevention of gum disease, for reasons beyond just dental health – particularly in high-risk groups.