Gum Treatments
What is gum disease?
Gum disease or periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons at some point in their life.
What causes gum disease?
Bacterial plaque - a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth - is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. Specific periodontal diseases may be associated with specific bacterial types. If plaque isn't removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins (poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums rightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets, which fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and the bacteria moves down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require extraction.
Factors increase the risk of developing periodontal diseases.
~ Smoking cigarettes cigars and pipes could play a significant roll in contracting gum disease.
~ Chewing tobacco products and "chew" can contribute.
~ Damaged or old bridges, over dated unstable tooth repairs can contribute.
~ Increased hormone levels caused by things like pregnancies or even some oral contraceptives can even contribute to gum disease.
~ Believe it or not, you can even inherit this disease.
~ Normal hygiene and lack of tooth care is the most common.
Treatment and prevention of periodontal diseases.
Routine trips to your dentist and cleanings twice a year can definitely be effective in the prevention of gum disease. There are early warning signs that can pin point the beginning of this problem.
Signs include redness and swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, loose or separating teeth, persistent bad breath, or change in the way teeth fit together when the patient bites.
There are a number of products on the market that can greatly contribute to the prevention of gum disease and should be discussed with your dentist.
In most cases, a deep cleaning removing deep incrusted plaque along with rinses and or medication can do the trick.
In more severe cases, the gums must be cut away from the infected area, the plaque removed and the bone repaired.
Remember, you can always get gum disease as it is common in it's early stages. Their is nothing to be ashamed of and the best defense against it becoming severe is early identifying and treatment. Most times Dr Shortell's great staff can identify and treat it during scheduled cleaning reducing the threat of severe painful gum disease.
For more on this, contact your dentist or Dr. Shortell's office to schedule a cleaning and examination, please call (913) 432-8700