Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.
In May 2000, the first-ever Surgeon General’s report on oral health, Oral Health in America, called attention to the “silent epidemic” of dental and oral diseases that burdens millions of children and adults throughout the United States, especially economically-stressed, minority communities.
In the report, the Surgeon General addressed the importance of building a science and evidence-base to improve oral health, building the infrastructure to address oral health, removing barriers to oral health services, and developing public-private partnerships to address disparities in oral health, particularly in the Black community.
Oral health is essential to overall general health and well-being, but there is also a growing recognition that many challenges identified 20 years ago have not been adequately addressed. Dental caries (tooth decay) is the single most common chronic childhood disease. There are striking disparities in oral diseases among various disadvantaged and underserved population subgroups. Approximately one-third of the U.S. population has no access to community water fluoridation.
According to a study published in the US National Library of Medicine, a study of largely African American (80%) adolescents 12–18-years-old, researchers found that the perceived threat from oral disease was low and that aesthetics were the main reason for seeking care. Higher educational attainment has shown to be a strong predictor of good oral health across the lifespan for African Americans (34% less untreated tooth decay) and other racial and ethnic categories.
A 2019 CDC study says, 28% of non-Hispanic Black children have had cavities in their primary teeth, compared with 18% of non-Hispanic White children.
Head and neck cancers are more than twice as common among men as women. The 5-year survival rate for oral pharyngeal (throat) cancers is lower among Black men (41%) than White men (62%).
Forty-two percent of adults have some form of gum disease. Among adults aged 65 and older, the rate of gum disease increases to 60%. Severe gum disease is most common among adults aged 65 or older, Mexican American and non-Hispanic Black adults, and people who smoke.
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
Symptoms of gum disease include:
Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious problem, which should be checked by a dentist. At your dental visit the dentist or hygienist should:
The dentist or hygienist may also:
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. The doctor may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
The dentist, periodontist, or dental hygienist removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. In some cases a laser may be used to remove plaque and tartar. This procedure can result in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort compared to traditional deep cleaning methods.
Medications
Medications may be used with treatment that includes scaling and root planing, but they cannot always take the place of surgery. Depending on how far the disease has progressed, the dentist or periodontist may still suggest surgical treatment. Long-term studies are needed to find out if using medications reduces the need for surgery and whether they are effective over a long period of time.
In some studies, researchers have observed that people with gum disease (when compared to people without gum disease) were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty controlling blood sugar. Other studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies. But so far, it is not been determined whether gum disease is the cause of these conditions.
The following problems require urgent attention by a dentist or a hospital’s Emergency Department:
Avoid tooth and gum problems by doing the following:
(BlackDoctor.org) — Healthy gums can lead to more smiles and fewer visits to the dentist. Beat the bacteria that cause swollen gums and bad breath. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful:
What You Need To Know:
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full gingivitis article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
