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, but in desperate efforts to oppose them our own cells produce highly toxic substances which cause damage to our tissues. If this defence is successful and bacteria are eradicated our tissues are capable of repair and re-attach the gum to tooth. This probably does happen, but some bacteria have developed protective strategies, including entering our cells and living inside them, in which case the pockets become deeper and more extensive. This process takes years to develop, but once established is extremely difficult to eradicate. 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.

Appreciating the area of attack

The length of gum surrounding all teeth in an adult is about 1.1metres. A mm to bacteria is the equivalent of 550 metres to us, so the length of gum is equivalent to 600Km.

Literally billions of bacteria can inhabit this length of surface, fortunately, the early colonising bacteria are protective, aiding our own cells, in effect acting as part of our immune system. Given the wrong circumstances, not brushing properly combined with a modern high carbohydrate diet, overgrowth of bacteria takes place gradually creating areas suitable for more harmful bacteria to take over, and in turn these may give way to even more aggressive ones.

Where our immune systems are not working effectively, for example those with diabetes or other debilitating diseases the attack and resulting damage increase. Gum disease can be a clue that there is some underlying problem affecting immunity, and although we don't yet have proof of it gum disease may affect immune response.

As gum disease develops and pocketing increases the area of diseased tissue increases from something the diameter of a pea, if a single tooth is involved, to something about the diameter of a tin of baked beans for the whole mouth. This size sore could exist for many years providing easy access to bacteria and their poisons. It is not surprising links are being discovered between gum disease and heart and circulation problems, kidney disease, diabetes and others.

Usually gum disease is painless, and the victim is unaware of it, unless they are educated to recognise the signs. Preferably preventive measures of brushing and brushing and even more careful brushing will prevent the worst of it, so long as it is started as a child when adult teeth come into place and continued throughout life.