Treating Gums
The join between teeth and gum is unique in the body. It is a line of weakness capable of exploitation by bacteria to gradually invade deeper tissues. The mouth is home to 700 or more species of bacteria, probably all capable of causing harm once inside. For example some bacteria (non-decay causing Streptococci) act as protective barriers, preventing aggressive bacteria from attaching and growing, yet once inside they are able to cause a very serious condition called bacterial endocarditis, which is very difficult to treat even with high doses of antibiotics. This heart condition is fatal for 30% of people who contract it despite the best treatment.
Except for trauma, the only way these bacteria can gain entry is via pockets formed around teeth caused by other bacteria.
Pockets occur when the attachment of gum to tooth breaks down. This breakdown is the result of conflict between bacteria and our cells. Not only are some bacteria able to break down human tissue, our own cells produce highly toxic substances causing self-damage.
Unfortunately, bacteria protect themselves and are relatively unnaffected, so our bodies may be unable to stop the disease (without help - find out about QSIant below). We are trying to find ways of helping the body to do this and believe we are making great strides in this direction with our new treatment called QSIANT.
For further information including treatments please take a look at:
Advanced gum disease and development of bad breath.
Loose teeth and drifting teeth.
Appreciating the area of attack
The length of gum surrounding all teeth in an adult is about 1.1metres.
How much disease may you have?
As gum disease develops and pocketing increases the area of diseased tissue increases.
A midly infected tooth can be surrounded by diseased tissue with a surface of 60mm square.
A tooth with advanced disease may be surrounded by 300mm square of infection.
If a few teeth are involved you may be unaware that anything is happening. Without thinking too much about it, you may have adjusted your bite or changed your diet, because it's never caused more than mild discomfort.
A teenager who isn't brushing may have 20 cm square of diseased tissue.
A person with very advanced disease, who has not lost any teeth (yet) could have 100cm square of diseased tissue. Draw out a 10cm by 10cm square on a piece of paper to visualize this.