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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. In fact,
after age 35, about three out of four adults are affected by some form of gum
disease.
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.
Because gum disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you have
it. 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.
Symptoms?
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
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Normal, healthy gums
Healthy gums and bone anchor teeth firmly in place. |
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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. |
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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. |
Prevention?
Preventing 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, a symbol of a product's 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 and its use, 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.
Treatment?
Treating gum disease
The good news is that early gum disease is very treatable by your dentist.
There are several modality of treatment can be prescribed by Dr. Lee and Salem.
With these gum treatments and regular gum maintenance every 3-4 months, you can
keep your gum healthy.
- Thorough gum and soft-tissue exam.
- Disease education and
prevention.
- Oral hygiene instructions.
- Scaling and root
planning with anesthesia.
Deep gum cleaning may be prescribed. This procedure will decrease the
bacteria and its toxin by-products from the deep gum pockets to prevent
further bone loss.
- Re-evaluation for further gum treatments.
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Gum pocket reduction procedure.
If the gum pocketing is still large after the scaling and root planning, a
surgical approach can be performed where by further decreasing gum pockets to
be easily cleaned.
- Non-surgical gum treatment with antibotic treatment with Arrestin and
Periochip.
A non-surgical approach can be prescribed with early and moderate gum
disease. After scaling and root planning, a series of localized
specially formulated antibotics can be delivered.
- Grafting procedures.
If bone loss exists or esthetics are a concern, soft-tissue and bone
grafting can be performed.
- Home maintenance with antibotic rinse and electric brush aids.
Cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental cleaners removes
bacteria and food particles from between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't
reach. Ask your dentist how to use them
properly, to avoid injuring your gums.
- Carious prevention with prescribed fluoride toothpaste.
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.
- Visit your dentist every 2, 3, or 4 months as prescribed.
It is important to have professional cleaning
is essential to prevent periodontal diseases.
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