Healthy gums are important to overall health. Gum disease, according to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), is related to diabetes, heart disease and respiratory problems. Gum disease is easy to identify, even in its mildest forms. Blood in the gums is a sign that they need attention from a dentist or periodontist. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that nearly 80 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease.
Function
The gums, also called the periodontium when taken as a group with all the parts, keep the teeth in place. As the teeth bite, chew and grind, the gums and related tissues hold the teeth firmly in place. As the teeth chew the food, a film called plaque is left on the tongue, gums, teeth and other surfaces in the mouth. The tissue and enamel between the teeth are particularly susceptible to plaque buildup. Plaque is associated with bacteria and gum disease, known as gingivitis, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Features
Gum tissue is reinforced with periodontal ligaments, a group of fibers attached to the jaw at the root of the tooth that keep the tooth strong for chewing. The tissue is also connected to the crater holding the tooth inside the jaw, which is known as the alveolar socket. The tissue, called the gingiva, exists to create a snug fit for the tooth.
Identification
Diseases of the gums are divided into basic categories. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) identifies gingivitis and periodontitis as the two most common gum diseases. The least damaging gum problem is gingivitis, a condition easily identified by red, swollen and bleeding gums. Slight pain may be associated with the condition. If gingivitis is left untreated, the plaque irritates the gums and spreads down below the gum line into the pocket alongside the tooth and then into the jaw bone. Periodontitis is a still more serious condition that allows the gums to recede around the teeth and become infected.
Types of Periodontitis
Periodontitis occurs in more than one form. Aggressive periodontitis is associated by dentists and periodontists with "...rapid attachment loss and bone destruction," according to the AAP. The chronic form of this gum disease includes major reddening, inflammation, and gradual bone loss. This most common type of gum disease can occur at any age, although it is seen more frequently in adults. Necrotizing periodontal disease, the most advanced form, is found most commonly in people with other diseases that reduce the body's immunity.
Prevention
Plaque is the key culprit in gum disease, and prevention includes cleaning the teeth and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Avoid bacteria buildup by changing the brush every three months or when the bristles no longer stay flat and even. Daily flossing is important for keeping bacteria out of the spaces between each tooth. The ADA also recommends using an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Professional cleaning and examination by a dentist improve the chances of avoiding the disease and catching gum problems before major damage happens.
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