Prevent and Treat Gum Disease-Keep Your Teeth

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem.  Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line causing the attachment of the tooth and the supporting tissues to break down.

There are two major stages of gum disease. Gingivitis is the less severe and reversible form that affects the gums and is caused by the buildup of plaque on the teeth. If it goes untreated, Gingivitis  may lead to more serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called Periodontitis.  If Gingivitis progresses to Periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth (recede),leaving small spaces  which may collect debris and can become infected. The body’s immune system does it’s best to fight the bacteria. The plaque and bacteria spreads and grows below the gumline. What follows is a break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses,  more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. At this point, your teeth have lost their anchor, they become progressively looser, and the final outcome is tooth loss.

There are several risk factors for developing gum disease. Some include use of tobacco products,diabetes, some types of medications, bridges or other dental appliances that no longer fit properly & defective fillings.

Warning signs of gum disease may include bleeding, red,swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, change in your bite or the way your partial dentures fit.

In some cases, you may not be able to detect any  warning signs. It is also possible that only one or two teeth, or a small portion of the gum is effected. Periodic oral exams with a dental professional will help to identify the beginning stages of gum disease and treat it properly. Methods of treatment will depend on the type of disease and how far it has progressed. The goal will be to stop the progress of the disease and treat any existing infection.

If you want to keep your teeth, you must take care of your gums.  You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brushing, flossing  between your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and scheduleing regular dental visits will help you to keep your teeth.

A Surgeon General’s report issued in May 2000 labeled Americans’ bad oral health a “silent epidemic” and called for a national effort to improve oral health among all Americans.

During your regular checkup your dentist or dental hygienist will examine your teeth and gums and remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Your dental professional will access the condition of your gums and, if you have some signs of gingivitis, may recommend that you return for future cleanings more often than twice a year. There are also some FDA-approved mouth rinses and other treatments that your dentist may recommend for fighting gingivitis.

The good news is that, with the dental health care that is available today,gum disease is often preventable and reversible. Attention to everyday oral hygiene (brushing and flossing), coupled with professional cleanings twice a year, could  help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

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