Dr Odunayo Bankole, a dental surgeon at the Agape Dental Hospital, Jericho, Ibadan, has attributed rising cases of gum disease in the society to ignorance.

Bankole told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ibadan that half of the people with periodontal (gum) diseases are not aware that they have the challenge.
She defined periodontal diseases as infections of the structures around the teeth, which include the gums, ligaments and alveolar bones.
According to her, periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease, which result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth.
She said that people usually don’t show signs of gum disease until they are in their 30s or 40s and that men were more likely to have gum disease than women.
Bankole said that although teenagers rarely have periodontal disease, they can develop gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease.
The dentist said that gum disease, which is the most common of the periodontal diseases, developed when plaque was allowed to build up along and under the gum line.
The dental expert identified bacteria as the main causes of periodontal infections.
“Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colourless `plaque’ on teeth.
“Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form `tartar’ that brushing doesn’t clean.
“Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.
“The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called gingivitis.
“In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen and can bleed easily. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.
“This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.
“When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to `periodontitis’ (which means inflammation around the tooth).
“In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces called `pockets’ that become infected.
“The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.
“Bacterial toxins and the body’s natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
“If not treated, the bones, gums and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed,’’ she said.
Bankole listed symptoms of bad breath to include red or swollen gums, tender or bleeding gums, painful chewing, loose tooth and receding gums or longer appearing teeth.
She said that smoking was one of the most significant risk factors associated with the development of gum disease, adding that it can lower chances of successful treatment.
Other risk factors, according to the dentist are smoking, hormonal changes in girls and women, diabetes, other illnesses and their treatments, like AIDS, medications and genetic susceptibility.
Bankole therefore advised patients to always ask about medical history to identify underlying problems that contribute to gum disease.
“Always examine your gum and note any signs of inflammation and professional assistance should be sought for, immediately any symptoms are noticed,” she said.