Do your gums bleed
The most common dental disease seen in India. Periodontal disease
(relatively severe) in the age group of 15 years and above is 45% of the
population.The range of severity of disease varies from a simple gum
inflammation to severe infection affecting support bone of the teeth.
What is gum disease?
Periodontal
disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. Your
gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is
a shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums.
Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where
tehy 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 sever the disease, the greater the depth of
the pocket.
Periodontal disease are classified according to the
severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and
periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of periodontal
disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more
serious, destructive forms of periodontal disease called periodontitis.
When do you have a greater risk to develop the disease?
- Tobacco smoking or chewing
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes
- Some
types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy
drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral
contraceptives.
- Bridges that no longer fit properly
- Crooked teeth
- Fillings that have become defective
- Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
When do you know you have a gum disease?
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
It
is possible to have periodontal disease and have no warning signs. That
is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations
are very important.
What causes gum disease?
Periodontal(gum)
disease is an infection of tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth.
It is a major case of tooth loss in adults. Because periodontal (gum)
disease is usually painless, however, you may not know you have it.
Periodontal
(gum) disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that
constantly forms on the teeth. These bacteria create toxins that can
damage the gums.
In the early stage of
periodontal (gum) disease, called gingivitis, the gums can become red,
swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, teh disease is still reversible
and can usually be eliminated by daily brushing and flossing.
In
the more advanced stages of periodontal (gum) disease, called
periodontitis, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become
seriously damaged. The teeth can become loose, fallout or have to be
removed by a dentist.
How can I prevent periodontal (gum) disease?
The
good news is taht hyou can help prevent periodontal (gum) disease by
taking good care of your teeth every day and having regular dental
checkups. Here's how to keep your teeth and gums healty.
- Brush your teeth well twice a day
- This
removes the film of bacteria from the teeth. Be sure to use a
soft-bristled toothbrush that is in good condition. Toothpastes and
mouth rinses containing fluoride strengthen the teeth and help prevent
decay.
- Clean between your teeth every day.
- Cleaning
between your teeth with floss or inter dental cleaners removes bacteria
and food particles from between the teeth, where a toothbrush can't
reach. Early periodontal (gum) disease can often be reversed by daily
brushing and flossing. If you use inter dental cleaners, ask your
dentist how to use them properly, to avoid injuring your gums.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Choose
a variety of foods from the basic food groups, such as breads cereals
and other grain products; fruits; vegetable; meat, poultry and fish; and
dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt. Limit between meal
snack
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- It is important to have regular dental checkups, and professional cleaning is essential to prevent periodontal
- diseases.
How can gum or periodontal disease be treated?
In early stage disease a simple scaling would serve the purpose. In case the disease is more advanced you may need a deeper scaling which is called as sub gingival scaling. In very advanced cases a surgery may be needed to treat the diseased gums and underlying tooth supporting bone.
In case of periodontal disease the mantra is to prevent it, because prevention is better than cure!