Why Does Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease) Affect Specific BIPOC Communities At Higher Rates?
By Hanna Blankenship
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal diseases or gum diseases are mainly the results of infections and inflammation of the gums and bones that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red and may bleed. In its more severe form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is seen primarily in adults and, along with tooth decay, is the biggest threat to dental health.
What Causes Periodontal Disease?
Bacteria in the mouth infect the tissue surrounding the tooth, causing inflammation around the tooth and leading to periodontal disease. When bacteria stay on the teeth long enough, they form a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar, also called calculus. Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean. Then, only a dental health professional can remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease process.
What are the warning signs of periodontal disease you should be aware of?
Bad breath or bad taste that won't go away
Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Sensitive teeth
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
What factors can increase your risk for periodontal disease?
Smoking
Diabetes
Poor oral hygiene
Stress
Heredity
Crooked teeth
Underlying immune deficiencies—e.g., AIDS
Fillings that have become defective
Taking medications that cause dry mouth
Female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
How can you prevent periodontal disease?
To help prevent or control periodontal diseases, it is essential to:
Brush and floss every day to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease.
See a dentist at least once a year for checkups or more frequently if you have any of the warning signs or risk factors mentioned above.
What are treatment options for periodontal disease?
Early-stage periodontal disease, gingivitis, can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment. Such treatment might include deep cleaning the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications, and sometimes corrective surgery.
Why is periodontal disease more prominent in some BIPOC communities?
As we face discrimination, racism, and microaggressions daily, we often have greater exposure to stress than our white counterparts. Exposure to stress is a risk factor for periodontitis.
African Americans are less likely to get regular preventive dental care than their white counterparts. For example, 53 percent of Hispanics report having annual dental visits, compared with 68 percent of non-Hispanics. Without regular cleanings and dental screenings, one is more likely to be at risk for periodontitis.
Mexican Americans and African Americans have higher rates of diabetes. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, likely due to an increased risk of contracting infections.
Vermont Focus:
Between 2003 and 2009, there was an average of 164 Emergency Department visits by Vermont residents to Vermont and New Hampshire hospitals for gingivitis or periodontal disease. This statistic constitutes about 2.7 percent of all Emergency Department visits.
To learn more about the importance of dental health, check out the latest issue of Grin! Magazine from our partner Northeast Delta Dental.