Gum Disease, 410-696-4624, Dr. Trepp, Orthodontist

Gum Disease

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the gums and bone caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that adheres to teeth. The bacteria in this plaque produce toxins or poisons that allow inflammatory cells to invade your gum tissues and disrupt the collagen fibers in your gum tissues. In addition, protein hormones called cytokines, are released by inflammatory cells and these cytokines act as a form of communication between other inflammatory cells not only in the gums and bone but also in other body organs far from the mouth. Periodontal disease can occur at any age.

In the early stage of the disease, called gingivitis, gums may swell, turn red and bleed easily. Eventually, these toxins cause the tissues to separate from the tooth and form deepened spaces called pockets. If left untreated, the disease can progress to the bone.

In later stages of the disease called periodontitis, the bone and the soft tissues that support the teeth can be destroyed. This can cause the teeth to become loose, fall out, or have to be removed by your dentist. Periodontitis is the most frequent cause of tooth removal for people over 40 years of age.

A May 2000 article in the Journal of Periodontology states that cigarette smoking may be responsible for more than half the gum disease in US adults. Current smokers are four times more likely to have gum disease than those who have never smoked.. The more cigarettes you smoke each day, the greater the odds you'll get gum disease. Quitting smoking seems to gradually reduce the harmful effects of tobacco on your gums.

In addition, it's well documented that women who are pregnant and have periodontal disease are far more likely to give birth earlier (prematurely) and give birth to low birth weight babies than women with healthy gums. The mouth is the portal to the body, it should be no surprise that an infected mouth can affect your unborn baby. Premature babies are born with serious health complications that last throughout life, from cerebral palsy to mental disabilities to blindness. Prematurity is also the leading cause of neonatal death in this country. The American Dental Association is working with the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign to raise awareness of the link between gum disease and premature births.

Recently, a link between gum disease and gastric ulcers has been established. Gastric ulcers are caused by a particular type of bacteria. That same bacteria is also found in periodontal pockets. It is theorized that this type of bacteria can be swallowed from the mouth to the stomach where it contributes to gastric ulcer formation.

Harvard researchers reported in January 2007, that men with a history of gum disease were at a 64% higher risk for pancreatic cancer compared with those with healthy mouths. This study's lead author said, "People think of gum disease as being in their mouth. But when it gets severe, it's not just in the mouth. It's probably in the entire body."

Be aware that Biophosphate drugs that fight osteoporosis can make fighting gum disease more difficult because these drugs make bone more dense. This makes it difficult for gum disease fighting antibiotics to reach the gum infection and slows down the rate of bony repair. Please tell your dentist about all drugs that you are taking.

You may schedule an orthodontic appointment with Dr. William Trepp in his Pasadena, MD office by calling 410.696.4624 or in his Clinton, MD office by calling 301.868.6200. Written inquiries should be mailed to: 3020 Mountain RD, Pasadena, MD 21122, USA or 8918 Woodyard RD, Clinton, MD 20735, USA