The answer, if it is not apparent from the title of today's article, is gum disease; also known as periodontal disease.
In a nutshell, periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the fibers and attachment bone that hold the teeth in place. In some cases, when left untreated, this can lead to tooth loss.
The two most common forms of periodontal disease are Gingivitis and Periodontitis. Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease. The symptoms of Gingivitis are swollen, soft red gums that bleed easily. The underlying cause of gingivitis is plaque. Plaque is a sticky substance that forms a film on the teeth. When the plaque is not properly cleaned off the teeth, it can harden into tartar that collects above the gum line. It is the bacteria in the plaque and gum that irritates the gums, causing the gums become swollen. While poor oral health is the primary cause of gingivitis, other factors such as poor nutrition, tobacco use and diabetes can also increase the risk of developing gingivitis.
The first step to treating gingivitis is to have the teeth thoroughly cleaned by a dentist, after that, it is important to continue to practice proper and scrupulous oral hygiene, including flossing and rinsing.
Good oral hygiene is vital for preventing gingivitis from occurring in the first place. Using correct brushing techniques and using an electric toothbrush can help remove the plaque that causes gingivitis. On that same note, flossing can also help remove food particles and plaque in between the teeth.
In some situations, gingivitis can advance to the more severe periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection that destroys the tissue and bone that support the teeth and may eventually lead to tooth loss. In some cases, long term periodontitis can even increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Some symptoms of periodontitis include tender bright red gums, spaces developing between teeth, pus between gums and teeth and constant bad breath. Plaque is also the underlying cause of periodontal disease. The longer plaque remains on the teeth, the more chance the gums will become inflamed. When this occurs, pockets filled with plaque and tartar develop between the gums and teeth. This infection can cause loss of the bone that supports the teeth, and eventually the teeth itself. Other factors that also increase risk of periodontitis include tobacco and drug use, hormonal changes and diabetes.
A periodontist specializes in treating and preventing periodontitis. In many cases, periodontitis can be treated through non invasive methods, but in some cases surgery may be required. Common procedures include soft tissue and bone grafts to replace the destroyed tissue and bone; and guided tissue regeneration which allows teeth destroyed by bacteria to re-grow.
As with gingivitis, practicing good oral hygiene and regular dentist visits is the best way to prevent periodontitis from occurring in the first place.
Do you have healthy gums? Most people would say that they do. To that I ask, do you know what gum disease looks like? Most would hesitate on an answer. Healthy gums are pink or coral in color which is easy enough to identify. And to those who pay attention, in the beginning stages of gum disease you will notice swelling and reddening of the gums. This stage is called gingivitis. The problem is that the slight changes that take a person from healthy gums to gingivitis occur with little or no pain and often go unnoticed and untreated. Have you noticed that your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss? Bleeding is a sign of poor dental health and may be present in this stage of gum disease. Gingivitis begins when plaque and tartar build up and the bacterial toxins inflame the gums surrounding your teeth. The teeth themselves are still firmly seated in the sockets. This stage is easily treated and reversed if you will follow proper at home oral hygiene and seek dental care from a professional.
The second stage of gum disease is periodontitis. In this stage of gum disease you will notice the inflammation has spread below your gum line. The inside layer of your gum and bone will begin to recede. Pockets called sulcus (a v-shaped crevice) that may become infected will begin to form between your teeth and gums. The severity of the disease is often measured by how deep the pocket formation is. Healthy teeth have pockets that measure between 1 and 3 millimeters anything above this is a sign that you have gum disease. You may suffer from chronic bad breath and gum tenderness as well. This stage of gum disease is irreversible because bone and connective tissues gradually or progressively deteriorate.
Did you know that as gum disease reaches its final stages nothing is left to anchor your teeth into their sockets? Infection can cause pus to be present inside the pocket formations between your teeth and gums. You will experience your teeth shifting and becoming progressively looser. You may also notice changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down or mouth ulcers in the progressive stages of gum disease. If you do not obtain treatment for gum disease the result will be the loss of your teeth.
If you suspect any of the above symptoms I recommend you seek a professional dental care provider immediately. When gum disease is detected in the beginning stages it can be reversed, if untreated you are facing irreversible tooth loss. Several non-surgical and surgical dental procedures are available to restore your oral health. Ultimately your at home oral care such as brushing and flossing your teeth twice per day will be a critical step in preventing gum disease from developing or progressing.
Both David Siegel & Sung Lee are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
David Siegel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Dental Practice, Bankruptcy Law and Estate Planning. For more information, you may visit .. David Siegel's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Sung Lee has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bad Breath, Health and Health. Author: Sung Lee is the Inventor of Ultimate Gum Solution?. He has been Researching natural health products for the benefits of human disease treatment for the last 15 years. Specially after 50 years of suffering of dental Infection problem he has been te. Sung Lee's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.