Oral and Dental Wellness
Inflammation and Infection
The processes of inflammation and infection in the mouth
begin with bacteria.
Bacteria lurk in the tongue, nasal cavities, tonsil areas,
gingival pockets, and can also be found floating in saliva.
The body is constantly fighting these bacteria, and healthy
bodies are able to keep them at bay. When our immune systems
stop responding, bacteria take hold. Diseases and weakened
immune systems--such as from diabetes--can decrease the
ability of the immune system to respond effectively to
bacteria, and this triggers the beginnings of oral disease.
A Prime Location
Bacteria find the mouth to be an ideal location to take root and
foster. They can easily attach to the teeth and gums. Also, the
mouth and gums offer a nutrient rich, oxygen-poor
environment--ideal conditions to grow for bacteria.
Once in place, oral bacteria are tough to get rid of because
they form multi-layered biofilms-- which can become lodged in
the gingival crevices around the tooth.
The Inflammation Begins
When the body's immune system senses the presence of these
biofilms, it launches neutrophils in a defensive strike against
the bacteria. At this point, the gums will show redness and
swelling as the first signs of inflammation.
If managed properly, the body's immune system and proper
treatment can get rid of the plaque, and the redness and
swelling will disappear. However, if left to foster, the
continued presence of bacteria and the continued fight by the
body's immune system may gradually weakened the immune system.
Specialized white blood cells (macrophages) will be sent to
fight the bacteria, and they secrete inflammatory substances
that--while battling the bacteria--also cause intense
inflammation which can break down gum tissue and create a
periodontal pocket.
The Beginning of Infection
Once the bacteria form a periodontal pocket, full blown
periodontal disease begins. At this stage, gums begin to recede
from the teeth, and surrounding bone structure begins to erode.
Additionally, the inflamed area can release inflammatory
substances throughout the body. Research has shown that bacteria
from dental plaque can enter the bloodstream through small
ulcers in the gum and can then travel throughout the body.
Fighting Back
Keeping bacteria in check is an ongoing process that is managed
by two approaches--sweeping away bacteria so they cannot take
root in the mouth, and through chemical means. The goal is to
break up bacteria on a daily basis before it adheres.
The first step is determining the amount of pathogenic bacteria
that populate the mouth and how much damage might be done. Based
on the findings, the appropriate approach--from brushing and
flossing to more aggressive approaches--can be determined.
The next level of treatment--as appropriate--involves chemical
treatments, such as antibacterial mouthwashes and toothpastes.
Also, Scaling, root planing, and antimicrobial inserts into gum
pockets can be deployed as needed.
