50
of adults experience periodontal disease
Up to70%
of adults over the age of 65 have periodontal disease
Gingivitis and its progression to periodontitis has negative effects on the entire human body. As an inflammatory disease, it is entirely preventable, but once it reaches a certain threshold, can cause irreversible damage. Inflammation of the gums and eventually the bone contributes to the body’s overall inflammatory burden and worsens other conditions. Often, no pain is present and timely intervention by your dentist will catch this silent disease before it worsens.
Signs of gingivitis include:
- bleeding of the gums either during brushing, flossing, or eating
- redness and puffiness of the gums with a swollen appearance
- bad breath due to bacteria
Causes, how to prevent & natural solutions
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Causes
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How to Prevent
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Natural Solutions
In general terms, this disease occurs when the balance between the microbial microflora and the body is lost.
Excessive levels of plaque that is thick and not removed will allow bacteria to mutate to survive. These bacteria start the process of gingivitis.
Allowed to sit, the plaque will change to tartar or calculus. The hardened, calcified layer on teeth is difficult to remove with brushing and flossing.
Improper dental restorations can cause inflammation if they impinge on the gums or don't allow proper removal of plaque.
Many medications that dry out the mouth accelerate the deposition of plaque on teeth
Those with pre-existing conditions or those that are immune-compromised are at a higher risk for gingivitis due to their decreased capacity to heal
Pregnancy-induced gingivitis occurs due to an increase in blood pressure and change in hormones but typically returns to pre-pregnancy levels after delivery.
Proper daily oral care which includes brushing at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes with a proper technique.
Despite our best effort, plaque may progress to calculus (calcified, hard plaque also known as tartar) and requires regular, professional cleaning by a dental hygienist.
Reduction of medications with counselling in lifestyle changes
Smoking cessation will allow the gums to heal more readily and bring healthy blood flow to the gums.
A healthy, well-balanced diet will prevent the build up of gingivitis-inducing plaque.
Decreasing metal alloys in the mouth has shown to have a favourable effect on the bacterial species in the mouth.
Once again, the body has the ability to heal itself and an overreaction to the inflammation from gingivitis is uncalled for. At a low level, it is believed that the body’s optimally regulated response via low-level inflammation acts as a protective measure and prevents progression to periodontitis. However, if left unchecked and allowed to progress, the body’s response will become further destructive. Balance is key!
Professional cleaning from a dental hygienist can reverse gingivitis. In cases of deeper pockets (4mm or deeper) a procedure referred to as “root planing”, or a deeper cleaning may be required; sometimes with local anesthetic for comfort. The cleaning will remove the hard cement-like tartar on the teeth and allow the gums to reattach to the tooth surface.
Addition of ozone locally to the deep pockets, or via a custom made tray that circulates ozone gas around the gums will help reduce and eliminate gingivitis causing bacteria. When stable ozonide contacts tissue, it dissolves into lipoperoxides and hydroperoxides which disperse into tissue fluids, providing disinfectant, stimulatory, and healing effects.
Laser treatment can be used to sterilize the deep pockets and remove bacteria and is especially effective after scaling and root planing
As an aid used in conjunction with other treatments, ozonated oil-pulling will remove many toxins when used daily for at least 5 minutes.
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The Shore
204 - 3477 Lakeshore Rd.
Kelowna, BC V1W 0A7