Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most frequently occurring gum diseases. The first (gingivitis) is the simple inflammation of the gums next to the teeth, caused by the bacteria found in the dental plaque, the thin, sticky, whitish film that constantly forms and adheres to the dental surface. With gingivitis the gums become red, swollen and easily bleeding.

If not controlled and treated with an adequate oral hygiene and, when necessary, with the appropriate professional intervention, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, which is a much more serious condition that can result in tooth loss over a period of time. Periodontitis is characterized by a progressive deterioration of the gums and the bone around the teeth. The gums separate from the teeth, leading to the formation of small pockets (filled with plaque and tartar) between the teeth and the gums. As the inflammatory process progresses, these pockets enlarge and deepen, causing the destruction of the gum tissues and the bone supporting the teeth, which eventually leads to tooth loss.

It has been shown that, besides tooth loss, there are other health risks associated with gum disease, including an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Other hypothesized health risks (which actually have not been conclusively proven) include an increased risk of delivering preterm babies and difficulty controlling blood sugar levels in diabetes patients.  

 Although an inadequate oral hygiene is the main cause leading to gum diseases, it has been shown that there are many risk factors associated with the development of this condition, including genetic susceptibility, hormonal changes in women, smoking, stress, the use of medications which reduce salivary flow (certain antidepressants and heart drugs), as well as certain diseases or conditions such as diabetes, cancer and AIDS.

Gum Diseases risk factors

 Except for genetic susceptibility, all the above risk factors, as well as the main cause of gum diseases (that is an inadequate oral hygiene), can be easily controlled and managed. That’s why gum diseases are largely preventable conditions. Primary preventive measures include brushing the teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste to remove the dental plaque, flossing everyday, visiting the dentist regularly, adopting a well balanced diet and not smoking or using other tobacco products. 

 Treatment of gum diseases widely varies depending on the severity and extent of the disease. Both non-surgical and surgical treatments are available. Deep cleaning by a dentist is perhaps the less invasive treatment, consisting in the removal of plaque and tartar from the crowns and the roots of the teeth. This procedure is sometimes combined with the use of specific antibiotic or antiseptic medications.

 When deep cleaning is not enough to cure gum diseases, surgical treatment is recommended. In any case, the successful outcome of treatment, whether non-surgical of surgical, strictly depends on the patient’s self care behaviour, especially his or her ability in maintaining an adequate oral hygiene and managing other risk factors such as diet and smoking. 

 The treatment of gum diseases is always expensive. That’s why it is advisable that its cost is covered by an appropriate international health insurance plan before the gum disease arises.