by Rana Baroudi
Dr. Baroudi is a Board Certified Periodontist. She has successfully passed the American Board of Periodontology oral and written examinations covering all phases of periodontal disease, its treatment and dental implants. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor of Periodontology at UCSF where she enjoys teaching and lecturing on a bi-monthly basis.
Learn MoreThe gums are an important part of oral health. Many people do not recognize this fact, however; they focus on their teeth instead. Nevertheless, your gum is what holds up your teeth. Therefore, any problem with it can result in severe dental issues. Gum grafting is among the common procedures done by periodontists such as Dr. Rana Baroudi to restore gum health. This process helps not only repair receded gums but also plays a critical role in minimizing oral inflammation that could adversely affect overall health.
When the tissue around our tooth wears away or pulls back, leaving more tooth exposed or even its root visible, we call it gum recession. This comes with heightened sensitivity levels on the affected area due to increased cavities risks where the roots are exposed which may not be visually appealing for many people besides other problems caused by this condition like bad breath (halitosis) among others if left untreated too long according to WebMD experts’ information released earlier last year.
Oral inflammation occurs when our body reacts to harmful stimuli, such as injury or bacterial invasion. This reaction often happens in the gums, especially when they are inflamed due to gum recession. As the gum tissue thins, it becomes more vulnerable to bacterial attacks. When the roots of the teeth are exposed, pockets can form between the teeth, making them difficult to clean properly.
As a result, plaque begins to accumulate in these areas, leading to an infection known as gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe condition characterized by bone loss around the affected areas. Over time, this can cause the teeth to become loose and, eventually, fall out. The American Dental Association (ADA) emphasizes that maintaining good dental hygiene is essential in preventing such diseases, which can have serious consequences, including heart failure.
Gum grafting is a surgical procedure performed by dentists or periodontists to restore lost gum tissue caused by receding gums. While it can be done for cosmetic reasons, especially when an exposed root makes a person’s smile less attractive, the primary purpose is often more functional. This procedure helps protect the tooth from the harmful effects associated with the loss of supporting tissues due to bacterial infection. It also prevents further bone resorption, which can eventually lead to loose teeth. This is in line with the American Academy of Periodontology’s official statement published last year.
The benefits of gum grafting extend beyond improving appearance or relieving sensitivity in teeth with exposed roots. Although often overlooked, one of the most significant advantages is its ability to reduce oral inflammation. This benefit is not always fully appreciated but is crucial for maintaining overall oral health.
Protecting Exposed Roots: As gum tissue recedes, it exposes the roots of teeth, creating a conducive environment for bacterial invasion. These microorganisms trigger an immune response, resulting in swollen gums and surrounding tissues, known as periodontal pockets, that harbor bacteria and cause further inflammation if left untreated. However, covering these vulnerable areas with grafted material during gum graft surgery can prevent such issues by blocking entry points for bacterial colonization. This, in turn, reduces the chances of developing any swelling in the mouth, also referred to as gingivitis, as stated in a Mayo Clinic health information article released earlier this month about what causes bad breath even after brushing.
Strengthening the Gum Tissue: In addition to covering exposed roots, gum grafting also thickens thinning gums. Thicker tissues resist the mechanical forces applied during chewing or brushing better than thinner ones, making them less likely to break or become inflamed. These stronger tissues act as effective barriers against bacteria, reducing the risk of repeated inflammation. This was highlighted in an ADA Mouth Healthy website article last week on how good dental hygiene helps prevent diseases like heart failure.
Reducing Plaque Retention: Gum recession can lead to increased plaque retention because cleaning exposed roots and deep pockets becomes more challenging. Bacteria-filled film forms on teeth, known as plaque, which can harden into tartar if not removed. This substance causes inflamed gums and periodontal disease. By restoring the gum line to its natural position, gum grafts help reduce plaque retention, making cleaning more efficient and preventing plaque buildup.
Boosting Immune System Response: Gum grafting eliminates persistent bacterial attacks on the gums, freeing the immune system to focus more on repairing the body rather than continuously fighting off invaders. This results in lower levels of inflammation throughout the mouth.
There are many long-term benefits for oral health that result from reducing oral inflammation through gum grafting. Chronic oral inflammation increases the chances of developing other health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes, as well as conditions like diabetes mellitus and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, indirectly managing these conditions may be possible when the inflammatory process within the gums is suppressed through this type of dental surgery.
Reduced Risk of Periodontal Disease: Persistent swelling around the teeth can cause severe problems, as it may damage the tissues that support them. This can lead to bone loss, which is crucial for keeping teeth firmly in place, ultimately resulting in periodontitis, also known as “pyorrhea.” According to the World Health Organization (WHO), periodontitis is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults, second only to tooth decay. By reducing inflammation around the teeth, periodontitis can be prevented, ensuring a healthy set of teeth for life.
Better Cardiovascular Health: Studies conducted over the years have shown a close relationship between poor oral hygiene (marked by inflammation) and heart disease risk factors, such as elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. The bacteria responsible for inflaming gums can enter the bloodstream and contribute to the formation of plaques inside arteries, which can become clogged, leading to heart attacks or strokes. Therefore, keeping gum inflammation under control can greatly improve overall health and help prevent various cardiac problems.
Enhanced Diabetes Control: Oral inflammation needs to be taken seriously among individuals diagnosed with diabetes because it greatly interferes with how well blood sugars are managed. In other words, as blood sugar levels rise, so does inflammation, and vice versa. This means that people suffering from this metabolic disorder might find it easier to manage after undergoing gum graft surgery. By reducing inflammation levels around the teeth through periodontal procedures like gum grafting, better glycemic control can be achieved among diabetics.
Improved Quality of Life: Chronic mouth infections can cause severe pain, making it difficult to eat or talk. In some cases, patients may even choose to avoid eating altogether due to the unbearable agony experienced while chewing or swallowing food. Similarly, some may opt not to speak because every word is accompanied by excruciating pain originating from inflamed areas in the mouth. Gum grafting should always be considered when necessary because, in addition to saving lives by preventing the severe consequences of advanced periodontitis, it also relieves pain and restores normal functions, making life enjoyable once again.
Gum graft surgery should not be viewed solely from an aesthetic perspective but rather as a critical step in addressing receding gums. These procedures have been found to play vital roles in minimizing oral inflammation, in addition to restoring the natural appearance of healthy gum lines. Other associated benefits include protecting exposed roots, strengthening soft tissues, improving dental hygiene practices, and boosting the body’s immune response against disease-causing agents in the mouth. This, in turn, helps prevent the escalation of infections that could affect the teeth, supporting structures, or even overall well-being, contributing to long-term health and happiness.
