Dental Health Magazine Dental Health Digital Issue | Page 32

32
Issue #5, March 2017
GUM DISEASE
DO YOU HAVE IT?
by Dharani Jayadeva
Assoc Prof Dr Rathna Devi Vaithilingam
What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is an umbrella term Periodontal disease accounts for
for diseases of the gums. The two most approximately 75% of all tooth loss. The
common types of periodontal disease cause of periodontal disease is dental
are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis plaque which is an accumulation of
is a milder form of gum disease, caused bacteria on the tooth surface near the
by lack of dental hygiene. The primary gums. Harmful bacteria from the dental
sign of gingivitis is bleeding and plaque and the mediators which results
swollen gums. It may be a precursor to from the body’s response to these
periodontitis which results in not just harmful bacteria then enter into the
bleeding and swollen gums but also the bloodstream and has been associated
breakdown of tissue and bone under with a number of other diseases,
the gums and appears in the mouths as including diabetes, heart disease,
shaky teeth with receding gums. preterm and low birthweight babies,
respiratory disease and rheumatoid
arthritis.
How is periodontal disease
detected?
Symptoms of periodontal disease
GINGIVITIS
include persistent bad breath, swollen or
bleeding gums, pain when chewing, and
receding gums. “Pockets” may also be
GINGIVITIS
present, indicating a space between the
tooth and gums, where more plaque may
accumulate. During dental check-ups,
routine examinations of gums and teeth
will be done. For periodontal disease to
be identified, a specific examination
called Basic Periodontal Examination
(BPE) will be performed by your dentist.
BPE can also categorise the severity of
the disease.
PERIODONTITIS