subject: Protect Your Smile With Gum Disease Prevention And Treatment [print this page] Gum (Periodontal) disease can happen to anyone - young and old. An all-too-common problem, gum disease a chronic infection that can result in a number of health problems, from mild inflammation to severe gum damage to tooth loss, if left untreated. Additionally, gum disease can also affect your overall health, and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. So, no matter what your age is, proper dental care is essential to maintaining not only the health of your smile, but your overall health as well.
What is Gum Disease?
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing your teeth to become loose or fall out. Gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums.
Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket - generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket.
What is even scarier is that you can have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Some factors that increase your risk for developing periodontal disease include:
*Tobacco smoking or chewing
*Systemic diseases such as diabetes
*Some types of medication
*Bridges that no longer fit properly
*Crooked teeth
*Fillings that have become defective
*Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
Take Charge of Your Smile with Proper Prevention
Typically, you can prevent gum disease by properly brushing and flossing your teeth daily, having regular dental visits for exams and cleanings, and eating a well balanced diet. Practice good dental habits by brushing your teeth two times a day, in the morning and before bedtime, using fluoride toothpaste. An even better practice would include brushing your teeth in the afternoon after your lunch. Be sure to clean all sides of your teeth, and also brush your tongue. Plaque on your tongue can cause bad breath and is an ideal environment for bacteria growth.
Next, it is also important to floss your teeth at least once a day. You can use any type of floss that works for you, so choose one that you like. Curve the floss around each tooth into a u-shape, and gently slide it under the gum line. Move the floss firmly up and down several times to scrape off the plaque.
What if I have Gum Disease?
If you are one of the millions who suffer from gum disease do not fret. Early treatment of gum disease is very important. The goals of treatment are to prevent gum disease from permanently damaging tissue, control infection, and prevent tooth loss. For treatment of mild gum disease, also known as gingivitis, you may be able to reverse the damage to your gums by increasing your oral hygiene routine with proper brushing, flossing and regular visits to your dentist's office.
For more advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, prompt treatment is required to get rid of the infection and stop damage to the teeth and gums, followed by long-term care to maintain the health of your mouth. Talk to your dentist in Chandler for more information on how to properly care for your smile. And remember, regular visits to your Chandler dentist are vital in maintaining a healthy smile and preventing gum disease.
