Periodontics

Infections of the gums, or periodontal diseases, progressively destroy the support of your natural teeth. Periodontics is that specialty of that encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth. It also deals with maintaining the health, function and aesthetics of these teeth and their tissues.

Oral hygiene is incredibly important. Adults over 35 years old lose more teeth to gum disease than they do to cavities. While routine visits to the dentist are imperative, gum disease prevention begins at home.

A colorless film that sticks to your teeth at the gum line, dental plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. Daily brushing and flossing can help prevent plaque buildup and ultimately-gum disease. If not carefully removed by daily brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into a rough, porous substance called tartar.

How gum disease develops

Bacteria found in plaque produces toxins that irritate your gums. This may cause them to:

? Turn red and irritated
? Swell
? Ache and bleed easily

If this irritation continues, your gums start to separate from your teeth, creating spaces. As gum disease progresses, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorates. If left untreated, tooth loss ensues.

Preventing gum disease

As mentioned earlier, the best way to prevent gum disease is brushing, flossing and undergoing routine dental cleanings. However, even with the most diligent home dental care, anyone can suffer from periodontal disease.

Once gum disease begins, professional intervention must occur in order to prevent any further damage.

There are also other factors that can affect the health of your gums and encourage gum disease. These include:

? Genetics-despite aggressive oral care habits, people with a family history of gum disease may be six times more likely to develop periodontal disease. Identifying these people with a genetic test before they even show signs of the disease and getting them into early treatment may help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

• Diabetes-those with diabetes are at higher risk for developing infections, including periodontal diseases.

• Clenching and grinding teeth-clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could expedite the rate at which your periodontal tissues are destroyed.

• Medication-some drugs like as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health.

• Poor nutrition-a diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body's immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Since gum disease is a serious infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.

• Stress-studies reveal that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.