Gum Disease

Gum Disease
Here is a mini quiz: what is the number one cause of adult
tooth loss?

A. Cavities
B. Gum Disease

The answer, if it is not apparent from the title of today's
article, is gum disease; also known as periodontal disease.

In a nutshell, periodontal diseases are bacterial
infections that destroy the fibers and attachment bone that
hold the teeth in place. In some cases, when left
untreated, this can lead to tooth loss.

The two most common forms of periodontal disease are
Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest
form of periodontal disease. The symptoms of Gingivitis are
swollen, soft red gums that bleed easily. The underlying
cause of gingivitis is plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance
that forms a film on the teeth. When the plaque is not
properly cleaned off the teeth, it can harden into tartar
that collects above the gum line. It is the bacteria in the
plaque and gum that irritates the gums, causing the gums
become swollen. While poor oral health is the primary cause
of gingivitis, other factors such as poor nutrition,
tobacco use and diabetes can also increase the risk of
developing gingivitis.

The first step to treating gingivitis is to have the teeth
thoroughly cleaned by a dentist, after that, it is
important to continue to practice proper and scrupulous
oral hygiene, including flossing and rinsing.

Good oral hygiene is vital for preventing gingivitis from
occurring in the first place. Using correct brushing
techniques and using an electric toothbrush can help remove
the plaque that causes gingivitis. On that same note,
flossing can also help remove food particles and plaque in
between the teeth.

In some situations, gingivitis can advance to the more
severe periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection that
destroys the tissue and bone that support the teeth and may
eventually lead to tooth loss. In some cases, long term
periodontitis can even increases the risk of heart disease
and stroke. Some symptoms of periodontitis include tender
bright red gums, spaces developing between teeth, pus
between gums and teeth and constant bad breath. Plaque is
also the underlying cause of periodontal disease. The
longer plaque remains on the teeth, the more chance the
gums will become inflamed. When this occurs, pockets filled
with plaque and tartar develop between the gums and teeth.
This infection can cause loss of the bone that supports the
teeth, and eventually the teeth itself. Other factors that
also increase risk of periodontitis include tobacco and
drug use, hormonal changes and diabetes.

A periodontist specializes in treating and preventing
periodontitis. In many cases, periodontitis can be treated
through non invasive methods, but in some cases surgery may
be required. Common procedures include soft tissue and bone
grafts to replace the destroyed tissue and bone; and guided
tissue regeneration which allows teeth destroyed by
bacteria to re-grow.

As with gingivitis, practicing good oral hygiene and
regular dentist visits is the best way to prevent
periodontitis from occurring in the first place.

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For more information, you may visit
http://www.chicago-dental.com .