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 Gum Disease (or “periodontal disease”) is the most common
dental problem and a major cause of tooth loss in adults today. The
bad news is that it usually develops without any warning signs and
without causing any pain, so you may not notice anything until the
disease is serious and you are in danger of losing teeth. The
dangerous effects of gum disease can even go beyond teeth, as
recent research suggests that there may be a link between
periodontal disease and other health concerns, such as
cardiovascular problems, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Pregnant
women with gum disease are also at an increased risk of delivering
pre-term, low weight babies.
The good news is that with proper care, gum disease can often be
prevented. Even if it does start, it can usually be treated and
arrested if you catch it in the early stages.
 Gum disease is caused by a clear, sticky film of bacteria that
forms on your teeth, otherwise as plaque. If it is not removed
everyday by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar and can
lead to an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the
teeth. In the mildest form of the disease, you may not feel any
discomfort but may notice that your gums are red, swollen or
tender, and that your gums are red, swollen or tender, and that
your gums are red, swollen or tender, and that your gums bleed when
your brush your teeth. At this early stage of periodontal disease
(known as gingivitis), your gum disease can still be reversed with
stringent at-home hygiene and professional in-office treatments. If
left unattended, plaque can spread and grow below the gumline,
leading to periodontitis – an advance stage of gum disease
resulting in serious damage as the gums and bone that support the
teeth deteriorate, leading to tooth loss.
Avoid gum disease by practicing these simple steps:
1. Floss every day. Flossing removes plaque from between your
teeth and under your gumline, where your toothbrush can’t reach.
Floss before your brush your teeth, preferably before you go to bed
at night.
2. Brush your teeth after eating. At the very least, brush after
breakfast and never forget to brush before you go to bed.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. That means a nutritious diet, and
abstinence from tobacco, the use of which has been linked to the
development of gum disease.
4. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings, where
the dentist or hygienist will remove any plaque or tartar. If your
gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, you may also need gum
scaling (deep cleaning of the teeth above and below the gumline)
and root planning (to smooth and clean the roots of your
teeth). |
