Periodontal
Disease (Gum Disease) Explained
The Disease Periodontal
disease is caused by bacterial infection. In its early stages, it is
called gingivitis and is both preventable and reversible. In a recent
National Institute of Health survey, 47 percent of the males and 37
percent of females aged 18-64 exhibited some form of gingival bleeding.
If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which
affects the gum tissue, bone and supporting tissues of the teeth.
Warning Signs
- Bad taste in mouth
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Pain when chewing
- Pus around teeth and gums
- Calculus (brown, hard deposits) on tooth surfaces
Prevention Dental hygienists recommend visiting your oral health care
provider regularly; practicing consistent and thorough oral hygiene
everyday, eating nutritionally balanced meals, and avoiding smoking
and chewing tobacco.
Treatment of Periodontal Disease
You've been to the dentist and had a periodontal exam.it turns out,
you do have gum disease, what now?
Your dentist may scale or deep clean your teeth to remove plaque and
tartar deposits beneath the gumline.
The tooth roots may also be planed, or smoothed, to allow the diseased
gum tissue to heal and reattach to the tooth. Next, antibiotics or mouth
rinses may be prescribed.
If pockets between teeth and gums are deep, surgery may be needed. The
root is cleaned and the gums sutured back into place. If extensive gum
tissue has been lost, healthy tissue from other areas of your mouth
may be grafted to replace it. And in severe cases, bone grafting may
be required to rebuild damaged or destroyed bone.
The good news? With
proper brushing, flossing and routine dental visits, periodontal disease
is often preventable.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues
surrounding and supporting the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss
in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you may not
know you have it.
Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly
forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums.
In the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become
red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible
and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
In the more advanced stages of gum disease, called periodontitis, the
gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged. The
teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.
What are the signs of gum disease?
If you notice any of the following signs of gum disease, see your dentist
immediately:
- gums that bleed
when you brush your teeth
- red, swollen
or tender gums
- gums that have
pulled away from the teeth
- bad breath that
doesn't go away
- pus between your
teeth and gums
- loose teeth
- a change in the
way your teeth fit together when you bite
- a change in the
fit of partial dentures
Periodontitis
Unremoved, plaque hardens into calculus (tartar). As plaque and calculus
continue to build up, the gums begin to recede (pull away) from the
teeth, and pockets form between the teeth and gums.
Advanced periodontitis
The gums recede farther, destroying more bone and the periodontal ligament.
Teeth even healthy teeth may become loose and need to be extracted.
How can I prevent gum disease? The good news is that you can
help prevent gum disease by taking good care of your teeth every day
and having regular dental checkups. Here's how to keep your teeth and
gums healthy:
Brush your teeth well twice a day.
This removes the film of bacteria from the teeth. Be sure to use a soft-bristled
toothbrush that is in good condition. Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing
fluoride strengthen the teeth and help prevent decay. Choose products
that bear the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, your assurance
that they have met the ADA's standards for safety and effectiveness.
The ADA reviews all advertising claims for any product bearing the Seal.
The Seal on a product is an assurance for consumers and dentists against
misleading or untrue statements concerning a product's safety and effectiveness.
Clean between
your teeth every day.
Cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaners removes
bacteria and food particles from between the teeth, where a toothbrush
can't reach. Early gum disease can often be reversed by daily brushing
and flossing. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist how
to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.
Eat a balanced diet.
Choose a variety of foods from the basic food groups, such as breads,
cereals and other grain products; fruits; vegetables; meat, poultry
and fish; and dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Limit
between-meal snacks.
Visit your dentist regularly.
It is important to have regular dental checkups, and professional cleaning
is essential to prevent periodontal diseases.
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