Dental Biofilm and Gum Disease: Understanding the Connection

Understanding Biofilm and Its Impact on Oral Health

Understanding Biofilm and Its Impact on Oral Health
Over half of adults suffer from some form of gum disease, according to the World Health Organization. Despite diligent brushing, periodontitis can still develop, leading to tooth loss and other health issues.
Your mouth hosts over 700 strains of bacteria, forming biofilm. Gum diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri-implantitis are prevalent in New Zealand and globally. These conditions are linked to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and respiratory infections.
Dental hygienists are trained to educate, remove plaque, and treat gum disease. Regular visits ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy and disease-free. Prioritize your oral health by consulting a dental hygienist to maintain a healthy biofilm and overall well-being.

Microscope Images of Dental Plaque.

Gum Disease

What Is Gum Disease?It refers to an infection of the tissue that surrounds and holds your teeth in place. There are two distinct stages to periodontal disease: The first stage, gingivitis, involves swelling and reddening of the gum tissue. The second, periodontitis, can mean the gums actually pulling away from teeth, bones deteriorating, and teeth loosening and potentially falling out.

What Causes It?The simplest explanation for what causes periodontal disease is plaque bacteria. The plaque that builds up daily eventually hardens into calculus if not brushed away. This calculus spreads and overtime it builds up below the gum line causing a gum disease. Inflammation, bleeding, bad breath and soreness will set in and if left untreated will cause damage to the gums and supporting bone holding the teeth in position.

What Are Its Risk Factors?While bacteria is the main culprit behind periodontal disease, there are a number of lifestyle or behaviour factors that can increase the persons chances of it developing and progressing. Some of the leading risk factors are:Smoking discuises bleeding so people who smoke don’t realise they have gum disease. 
Poor oral hygiene (not brushing teeth regularly twice a day, not using interdental brushes/aids)
Diabetes- treating gum disease can improve your diabetes 
Diseases that suppress the immune system- reduced / slow healing of the gums 
Medications that reduce saliva production 
Hormonal changes in girls and women 
Stress 
Crooked teeth 
Genetic predisposition 

What Are Its Warning Signs?Some of the most common and obvious signs of periodontal disease include:Red/swollen gums 
Tender/bleeding gums. 
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth. 
Sensitive teeth 
Pain when chewing 
Changes to your bite 
Pulling away of gum tissue from teeth 
Loose teeth 

How Is It Treated?Once a dentist or hygienist has diagnosed the periodontal disease from their initial oral health assessment they can provide some dental options to help improve and resolve the issues. Patients should keep in mind that the success of any treatment option is going to depend on their willingness to keep up good oral hygiene habits at home. That said, the early stage of periodontal disease — gingivitis — can be treated with regular cleanings from your hygienist in concert with daily brushing and flossing. More advanced periodontal disease might require further treatment options, such as deep-cleaning of the teeth roots below the gum surface or referral to a periodontal specialist.

Additional Facts About Periodontal Disease47% of all adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease
70% of adults over 65 have the disease
Periodontal disease is more common in men (56%) than in women (38%)
64% of current smokers have periodontal disease