subject: Understanding And Preventing Periodontal (gum) Disease - An All Too Common Dental Condition [print this page] Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. Once gum disease sets in, the toxins that are produced by the bacteria damage your teeth's connective tissue and bone. This can eventually destroy them and bring forth tooth loss.
Gum disease ranges from mild to severe, beginning with gingivitis. Gingivitis is extremely mild, with many people having it and not realizing it. If treated early, gingivitis can be stopped before it progresses into a more serious condition. You may have gingivitis if your gums:
*Are red and not pink
*Bleed when you brush your teeth
By not properly brushing your teeth plaque, which is a sticky substance made up of bacteria, builds up in the teeth. Once this happens, the bacteria release toxins that irritate your gums. Many of us have had a mild case of gingivitis at some point during our lives.
The next, and more serious form of gum disease is periodontitis. This progression is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gums where gum disease spreads and grows below the gum line. Toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the body essentially turns on itself, and the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. Your gums begin to separate from the teeth, forming pockets that become infected. As periodontitis progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed.
Begin Your Prevention at Home
Periodontal disease is commonly caused by food particles and the build-up of plaque on your teeth. It is usually a painless and slow progression that can easily reach an advanced stage, which can result in the deterioration of your gums and bone structure.
Regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and to detect early signs of gum disease, but your own dental health regimen also plays a major role in preventing the build-up and progression of tartar. Some preventative steps you can take at home to keep your teeth healthy include:
*Brush your teeth twice a day
*Floss daily to remove plaque
*Eat a well-balanced diet
*Use a mouth rinse in conjunction with brushing and flossing
*Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco
Smoking and Gum Disease
Heart and lung disease should be reason enough to quit smoking, but a new study has found evidence that is linking gum disease to smoking. Research has shown that current smokers are four times more likely to have periodontal disease than those who have never smoked.
Tobacco has been found to overwhelm the body's immune system, which reduces its ability to fight off an infection. It can also limit the growth of blood vessels, slowing down the healing process of damaged gum tissue. If you can quit smoking, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing gum disease.
Regular visits to your dentist in Fort Wayne, IN are important for the prevention of gum disease. Your dentist can remove tartar, and also detect early signs of gum disease. Take preventative measures now in addition to regular visits with your dentist and gum disease can be prevented for a lifetime.
