Gum disease or periodontal disease is a
chronic inflammation of the gums an
tissues around the tooth, it is the main
cause, about 70 %, of tooth lost in
adult people. It affects 3 out of 4
people at some time of their life.
It is cause by bacterial plaque - a
sticky, colorless film that constantly
forms on the teeth. When plaque isn't
removed periodically by brushing and
flossing, it hardens into a rough,
porous substance called calculus or
tartar. The bacteria in plaque produce
toxins that irritate the gums, causing
the breakdown of the fibers that hold
the gums into the teeth, creating
periodontal pockets. When this damage
progresses, pockets extend deeper and
the bacteria move down until the bone
that holds the tooth in place is
destroyed. The tooth eventually will
fall out or require extraction.
Some things can increase the risk of
developing periodontal diseases:
Smoking or chewing tobacco will increase
your chances to have periodontal disease
or it will be more severe than in those
who do not use any tobacco products.
Some systemic diseases, such as
diabetes, can make you more vulnerable
to infection, making periodontal
diseases more severe.
When a Bridge or crown no longer fits
properly, crooked teeth or fillings
become defective, they can contribute to
plaque retention and it increases the
risk of developing periodontal disease.
During pregnancy or if somebody is using
oral contraceptives the increase of
hormone levels can cause gum tissue to
be more vulnerable to the toxins and
enzymes produced by plaque and can
accelerate growth of some bacteria. The
gums are more likely to become red,
tender and swollen, and bleed easily.
There are some medicines such as
steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy
drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some
calcium channel blockers, and oral
contraceptives that can affect the gums,
also, medications that reduce your
salivary flow can result in a
chronically dry mouth, which can
irritate your oral soft tissues. Let
your dentist know about your medications
and update your medical history files at
the dental office when any changes
occur.
How do I recognize gum disease?
The early signs of gum disease are red,
swollen or tender gums, bleeding while
brushing or flossing, gums that pull
away from teeth, loose or separating
teeth, puss between the gum and tooth,
persistent bad breath, change in the way
teeth fit together when the patient
bites, and a change in the fit of
partial dentures. Even when this signs
are present there might not be any
discomfort until the disease is
advanced. Therefore frequent dental
exams are recommended.
What should I expect if I need
periodontal treatment?
Early gum disease is treated with
scaling and root planning - removing
plaque and calculus around the tooth and
smoothing the root surfaces. Some times
this is accompanied by prescription of
antibiotics or antimicrobials to
supplement the effects of scaling and
root planning.,
More advanced cases may require surgical
treatment, which involves cutting the
gums, and removing the hardened plaque
build-up and reshaping the damaged bone.
The procedure is also designed to smooth
root surfaces and reposition the gum
tissue so it will be easier to keep
clean.
Prevention of gum disease
The most important thing you can do to
prevent gum disease is to improve oral
hygiene. This includes appropriate
brushing and flossing. Professional
cleaning periodically is the best way to
minimize your risk. In the clinic we
will design a personal preventive care
program to satisfy your needs and this
will help you prevent gum disease as
well as decay. Other oral diseases such
as cancer can be detected in early
stages when you follow a preventive
program.
Personal preventive care program after
gum disease:
Many damages cause by gum disease are
irreversible, and make your mouth more
difficult to clean effectively. These
patients need a personal preventive care
program more frequent. Personal hygiene
at must be accomplish rigorously,
brushing at least twice a day, flossing
daily, and brushing their tongue. Manual
soft nylon bristle brushes are the most
dependable and least expensive. Electric
brushes are also a good option, but
don't reach any further into the pocket
than manual brushes. Proxy brushes
(small, narrow brushes) are the best way
to clean in between the recesses in the
teeth, and should be used once a day.
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