subject: Gum Disease- Keep Healthy, Happy Gums With Proper Prevention And Treatment [print this page] Also referred to as periodontal disease and periodontitis, gum disease is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, and is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease can happen at any age - not just to the elderly. Many U.S. adults currently have some form of gum disease ranging from simple gum inflammation to serious damage of the tissue and bone supporting your teeth. Gum disease is a serious issue, with health implications worsening as the condition develops, allowing it to spread to other areas of your body. Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other matter left behind from eating. In many cases, gum disease can go unnoticed for months until damage is severe.
Signs of Gum Disease
As gum disease progresses, the bone tends to recede. In some cases, the root of your tooth can become exposed, causing tooth sensitivity. Since bone recession is not visible to the naked eye, left untreated it, may contribute to tooth loss. It is very important to visit your dentist for professional examinations and dental cleanings to effectively and properly identify gum disease in its earliest stages.
Some common signs of gum disease include:
*Bleeding gums during tooth brushing or flossing
*Sensitive, red or swollen gums
*Bad breath
*Teeth that are loose or appear to have shifted
Because gum disease doesn't always present obvious symptoms, many people may not even be aware that they have gum disease. Additional gum disease symptoms include mouth sores, itchy gums, an unpleasant taste and gum recession.
Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment
Untreated gingivitis (the earliest stage of periodontal disease) will usually progress into more serious stages of gum disease, which cause irreversible bone loss and potential tooth loss. Prevention is essential in the maintenance of your smile. The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, visiting your dentist for regular checkups and maintaining a proper, nutritious diet.
Choosing the proper toothbrush is important in prevention as well. Softer brushes are less likely to injure your gums, and electric toothbrushes often encourage better brushing habits. Remember not to brush too vigorously, though. Brushing too long or too hard can do more harm than good.
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, eat a well-balanced diet, use a mouth rinse in conjunction with brushing and flossing, avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco.
When gum disease is detected in its earliest stages, it is extremely manageable and reversible. If you are experiencing bleeding white brushing or any other symptoms of gum disease, contact your Franklin Square dentist for further examination. Remember, early diagnosis and prevention is the key in the maintenance of your smile.
