Gum Disease Sign, Symptoms and Solution

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is a very common condition where the gums become inflamed, sore or infected. Gum disease is caused by plaque (a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums). Plaque builds up acids and toxins. If you don’t remove plaque from your teeth by brushing, it will build up and irritate your gums, causing redness, swelling, and pain.

Gum disease affects around half of all adults in the UK, and most people experience it at least once. This can cause your gums to bleed while brushing your teeth and make you breathless. This stage of gum disease is known as gum disease.

If left untreated, masudivitis can develop into periodontitis. This condition affects the tissues that support the teeth, holding them in place. If periodontitis is left untreated, the bone in your jaw can form small spaces between the gums and teeth. Your teeth may become eventually fall out.

Signs And Symptoms Of Gums Include:

· Gums that are red or puffy.

· Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing.

· Gums can usually be treated with good oral care.

Signs And Symptoms Of Periodontitis Include:

· Teeth appear longer as the gums recede.

· Sensitivity to hot or cold foods/beverages.

· Bad breath.

· Loose teeth that can make eating difficult.

· Teeth may sag, rotate or drift apart.

· Gum abscess can develop when pus builds up around the gums.

Gum Disease And RA

There has always been a long-observed link between gum disease and RA, with Hippocrates (commonly referred to as the ‘father of modern Western medicine’) centuries ago suggesting that pulling teeth could cure arthritis. With the medical and dental treatments available in these days, this is not necessary or recommended!

People with RA appear to face an increased risk of developing gum disease and are more likely to suffer from severe symptoms. People diagnosed with RA may notice more bleeding when brushing, receding gums and loss of teeth.

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A study in 2012 reported that 65% of patients with RA had gum disease, compared to just 28% of patients without RA. They found that RA patients were four times more likely to develop gum disease than their RA-free counterparts and that their gum disease became more severe.

Commenting with the Medical Director of Arthritis Research UK, said: “We have known for some time that people with RA have an increased risk of periodontal disease, it may be that a person’s genetic makeup gives them People with RA and doctors treating the disease need to be alert for early signs of gum disease to prevent serious infections.

Problems with the joints in RA (including the jaw joint) can also make cleaning more difficult; Leading to more plaque being left in the mouth and therefore increasing the chances of developing gum disease. It is believed that this is not just responsible for the increased prevalence of gum disease in the RA population.

Research The Link Between Gum Disease And RA

One study found that people with both RA and gum disease were more likely to test positive for ACPA (antibodies to citrullinated protein antigen). It is known that in RA, immune responses are produced against ACPA, and its presence can predispose to the onset of RA by many years. Higher levels of rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies) were seen in those who tested positive for ACPA. This is important, as higher levels of these in blood tests are known to be associated with more severe RA. An increased number of inflamed joints, a higher DAS28-CRP (28 Joint Disease Activity Score) based on C-reactive protein and more evidence of joint damage on X-rays were also observed in patients who were positive for ACPA.

· Studies have shown that in RA patients with gum disease, patients experiencing jaw bone loss had Ra-associated bone erosion in other joints and, in RA patients, the severity of gum disease was related to their RA disease activity. tracks with seriousness. Other findings include the following:

· Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), one of the main bacteria responsible for gum disease, can lead to an earlier onset, faster progression and greater severity of RA, which can include damage to bone and cartilage.

· The concentration of antibodies against P. gingivalis increases before the onset of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

· Gum disease is often more severe in patients with established RA and features of gum disease are similar in patients with early and established RA.

· Self-reported gum bleeding and swelling were associated with significantly higher disease activity scores.

· Gum disease symptoms are associated with increased RA activity; Patients with more bleeding and inflammation have higher levels of RA disease activity.

· Which came first, the chicken or the egg? There is a theory that in genetically susceptible individuals, immune responses generated against these citrullinated proteins may be a potential trigger for RA and may also be responsible for maintaining inflammation in the body in RA. However, it may also be that the gums, much like the joints, are targeted in the worst cases of RA, which may explain why severe gum disease is seen more often in patients with severe RA.

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· There is also a reported link between the severity of gum disease and the effectiveness of some medication used to treat RA. For example, it has been found that prolonged gum inflammation may reduce the effectiveness of anti-TNF medication in patients with RA and therefore may hinder response to treatment.

· Studies suggest that non-surgical treatment of gum disease can improve both gum disease and RA (as shown by a decrease in the inflammatory markers ESR and DAS-28).

· There is still more work to be done to establish the association between gum disease and RA, but the research so far indicates that gum disease can also exist with RA and that oral health is very important. Attention to good oral hygiene should increasingly become an important part of RA management.

What Can I Do If I Have Gum Disease?

Many people don’t know they have gum disease; That’s why it’s important to see your dental team (they’ll tell you how often to attend based on your individual needs). The early gum disease can be detected, the easier it is to treat. Check your gums often in the mirror — this will help you monitor for any changes in color and texture and then notify your best dentist in jaipur.

With RA, people are at increased risk of gum disease so your dentist may recommend more frequent visits so that any problems can be closely monitored. Please mention any changes with your brushing routine and if you notice any blood after brushing.

Common cases of gum disease can usually be treated by maintaining a good level of oral hygiene. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day (morning and night) and cleaning between your teeth once a day (at night). See ‘Cleaning advice and tips’.