The ABCs (and Ds!) of Gum Disease
  Winter 2008

PhotoGum disease, or periodontitis, is the most common disease in North America. There are many contributing factors to it, including the following:

Arthritis: According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers have discovered that people with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher incidence of periodontal disease than those without. This underlines the importance of sharing information about your general health with your dentist, as sometimes a disease that one wouldn't think connects to a dental issue can play a role in diagnosing gum disease.

Brushing: Brushing your teeth after every meal ensures that you remove any residual food from your teeth, as it can provide a feeding ground for the naturally present bacteria in your mouth. If food isn't brushed and rinsed from your mouth after you eat, bacteria feed on the sugars left in and around your teeth, leading to plaque formation. If plaque is not removed, it can lead to gingivitis and the development of gum disease.

Along with brushing, daily flossing is essential, to remove the plaque and debris that collect between the teeth and under the gumline, where your toothbrush can't reach.

Regular, thorough flossing and brushing is a simple and effective way to remove the bacteria that causes tooth decay and gum disease.

Calcium and Vitamin C: Gingivitis, the first stage in gum disease, causes gums to bleed easily and become red and swollen. One of the steps in fighting gingivitis can be as easy as including a glass of milk, with its calcium content, or orange juice, with its vitamin C content, into your daily routine.

Researchers have determined that men and women who have calcium intakes of less than 500 milligrams, or about half the recommended amount, are almost twice as likely to have periodontal disease, as measured by detachment of the gums from the teeth. Another report suggests that patients who consume less than the recommended 60 milligrams of vitamin C a day (about one orange) are nearly one-and-a-half times more likely to develop severe gingivitis than those who consume three times the recommended daily amount.

If you're a smoker, pay special attention to your vitamin C intake, as oxidants from cigarette smoking lower vitamin C levels in the blood. In addition, cigarette smoke contains numerous oxidants that can cause periodontal tissue damage, regardless of vitamin C intake.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D, also known as the "sunshine vitamin", is just as essential as calcium for healthy teeth and bones. In fact, vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium. The best way to obtain the required amount of vitamin D is from sunshine, ideally ten to 15 minutes of sun exposure to the face, arms, hands or back, at least twice a week. Depending on where you live, finding enough sun may be difficult at this time of year, so you may want to consider getting your vitamin D from foods such as milk, eggs, sardines and tuna, which are fortified with vitamin D, or taking a vitamin supplement.

If you have any questions on gum disease or any other dental issue, please ask us. We would be pleased to give you more information and tips on how to achieve the best dental health possible.

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