Gingivitis And Your Body’s Response

Written By Kassandra Foreman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

As people respond to things differently, there has been a new classification of responses to dental plaque. Research has shown that there are differences in how some teeth react to plaque in regards to cavities, tooth loss, and other dental concerns.

Gingivitis study

A study in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - created by researchers from the University of Washington School of Dentistry - has identified a new group of responses.

Other studies have shown a range of responses causing inflammation as buildup of plaque and bacteria are formed on the teeth. Previously, it was believed that there was a strong response or a low response, but this third slow response has created an entirely new classification that has a strong response that builds up over time.

By extending this research and the results to the rest of the body it may be possible to determine people who are most likely to have dental problems related to inflammation. They are also the same people who are most likely to have other inflammatory-related health concerns.

Plaque and bacteria process

Another discovery from this study is of a protective response produced by the body that is also started through the buildup of plaque. As plaque builds up and the bacteria begins to gather on the teeth, neutrophils uses white blood cells to help to control the bacteria levels to keep a healthy balance.

This process is seen to improve the bacterial balance within the mouth, and protects against bone and tissue damage, helping reduce tooth loss. As a protective reaction, the neutrophils do not kill all bacteria but ensure there is healthy bacteria present while limiting the harmful bacteria.

Reducing the rate of infection and maintaining healthy balance, this automatic reaction to plaque buildup on teeth is a benefit of the bacteria that assembles upon the teeth.

Plaque and inflammation

This discovery leads to the determination that not all plaque is harmful and that there are some benefits to having a small amount of plaque present. As it is this plaque buildup that begins the inflammation and neutrophil responses, it can not only be used for determining the likelihood of tooth loss and other damages, other inflammatory diseases and risks, and also helps protect the tissue and the bones from further damage due to periodontitis.

Switching from a focus on no plaque or buildup at all on the teeth and instead allowing for short-term occurrences, or for a slight build up on teeth, can let these processes work naturally - knowing the inflammatory responses to plaque can lead to early detection of other health concerns and predictions for the future health of teeth and gums.

Brushing and flossing teeth is important to maintain the healthy bacterial balance within the mouth. 

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Written By:

Kassandra Foreman has been writing freelance for five years now and enjoys learning about new things to write about. When not writing she teaches yoga and meditation with a focus on health and fitness.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.