By Marie-Josée Roy
As we age, gum health is more important than ever. Dr. Thomas Nguyen, a periodontist who specializes in dental-implant surgery, provides some insight.
What’s the main gum-health problem in older people?
Periodontal disease, which is a loss of bone support around the tooth. It’s a painless disease with few or no symptoms, except for occasional light bleeding, and it generally appears from age 50 on. If the disease is diagnosed too late, the teeth start to become loose and eventually fall out.
What are the treatment options for periodontal disease?
If the disease is diagnosed early enough, we do a thorough cleaning, going below the gum line to dislodge the bacteria. This allows the gum to heal and to reattach to the tooth. There are, how- ever, very few solutions to reconstruct bone and teeth that a patient has lost.
In some cases, we can do a bone graft and a dental implant, but if that’s not possible, people have to accept that they’ll need to wear dentures. This has a major effect on a person’s quality of life.
Are some people at a higher risk?
Smokers, as the substances in cigarettes reach the gums. These substances reduce the supply of blood and tissue cells, causing the body to react less effectively to bacteria and leading to more infections. People with diabetes should also be monitored because of their high blood-sugar levels. The mobility of their cells is affected, which makes them more susceptible to infections.
What should we do to keep our gums healthy?
It’s essential to have good oral hygiene: brush your teeth after every meal, floss every day, and see your dentist every six months. At the drugstore, you can choose a specially formulated toothpaste to prevent gum inflammation, such as Colgate Periogard, and a toothbrush with bristles designed to slide below the gum line. If your gums tend to bleed, see a dentist right away to get a diagnosis.
Is there a link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s?
Research studies have shown that a bacterium that causes gum disease has been found in the brains of people who had Alzheimer’s. Since this bacterium was identified, more and more studies suggest that treating periodontal disease as soon as possible could help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
