Gum health plays a significant role in overall well-being. The mouth serves as a gateway to the body, and the condition of the gums can have far-reaching implications. Maintaining healthy gums is a proactive step toward supporting systemic health.
Deciphering a High Gum Score
A “gum score of 7” is not a standard clinical term in periodontal assessments. Dental professionals typically use scoring systems like the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index to evaluate gum health. The PSR system assigns scores from 0 to 4 to sections of the mouth (sextants) based on various indicators.
These indicators include probing depth (the space between the gum and tooth), and the presence of bleeding, calculus (hardened plaque), or defective dental restorations. A score of 0 indicates healthy gums with no bleeding or calculus, while a score of 4 signifies a probing depth greater than 5.5 mm, indicating severe issues. If a patient perceives their gum score as “7,” it likely indicates a misunderstanding of the PSR system and points to a high score (3 or 4) across multiple sextants, suggesting severe gum disease that requires professional intervention.
Understanding Severe Gum Disease
Severe gum disease, known as periodontitis, is an inflammation of the periodontium, the tissues supporting the teeth. It often originates from untreated gingivitis, an earlier, reversible stage characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. When plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, bacteria proliferate, leading to deeper pockets between the teeth and gums.
Risk factors include poor oral hygiene, smoking, genetic predispositions, hormonal fluctuations, and certain medical conditions like diabetes. Signs and symptoms include persistent bad breath, changes in bite, gum recession, and loose teeth. Pain when chewing or pus around the gum line may also occur.
Systemic Health Connections
Untreated severe gum disease has broader health implications due to its connection with systemic health. Chronic gum inflammation can trigger a systemic inflammatory response, contributing to arterial plaque formation linked to cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke.
The relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes is bidirectional: gum disease can complicate blood sugar control, and uncontrolled diabetes can worsen gum disease. Oral bacteria from severe gum disease can also be aspirated into the lungs, increasing the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia and COPD. Other associations include links to rheumatoid arthritis and adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Treatment and Management
Professional dental treatments for severe gum disease aim to halt progression, minimize symptoms, and restore lost periodontal tissue. Non-surgical approaches are often the first line of defense for mild to moderate cases. Scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure, involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from tooth surfaces both above and below the gumline.
Surgical interventions are necessary when the disease has significantly damaged bone and soft tissues. These include flap surgery, which involves lifting gums for deeper cleaning and removal of infected tissue. Bone grafting and guided tissue regeneration are also options to restore lost bone and gum tissue. Regardless of treatment, ongoing professional cleanings and diligent home care are important to sustain periodontal health and prevent recurrence.
Prevention Strategies
Proactive measures are important for maintaining gum health and preventing disease. Daily oral hygiene practices form the foundation of prevention. Brushing teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste helps remove food debris and plaque, and flossing daily removes particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line.
Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are also important for monitoring oral health and addressing any issues early. Lifestyle factors also influence gum health. Quitting smoking significantly improves gum health and reduces disease risk. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports healthy gums, while limiting sugary snacks helps reduce plaque buildup.