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Gum Disease

Gum disease is a general term describing the inflammation and destruction of the tissue supporting the teeth which includes gingivitis and periodontal disease.

What is gingivitis?

This is an early stage of gum disease which can be recognised when the gum becomes red and swollen and can bleed when you brush your teeth - this may be the first sign of a problem.

What is periodontal disease?

This is the later stages of gum disease when the bone and gum supporting the teeth is progressively destroyed. This can lead to permanent damage and loosening of the teeth. Gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss from the age of 35.

Other contributing factors

There is a direct link between smoking and gum disease. Gum disease is often made worse by poor fillings or ill fitting crowns, bridgework or dentures. You may be more prone to gum disease because of hormone inbalances e.g. women during pregnancy and with conditions such as diabetes.

What causes gum disease?

Most of the population suffer from some form of gum disease. The major cause of gum disease is plaque that continually forms on teeth and gums. Plaque also builds up along the margin where the gum and teeth meet causing the gum to become inflamed. If the plaque is left to build up, a space called a pocket forms between the gum and teeth. This space is even more difficult to clean and if nothing is done the pocket may get deeper and fill with plaque and harden to form tartar (calculus). This tartar can only be removed by professional cleaning. In the later stages the fibres which hold the teeth to the bone, and the bone itself are then attacked and the pocket deepens. As the bone is destroyed the tooth loosens and sometimes the gum will shrink back.

How to prevent gum disease

The only reliable methods of controlling gum disease is the regular removal of dental plaque. It is important to have regular dental check ups to monitor your gum health. It is reassuring to know that in it’s early stages it is a reversible condition and initial treatment is often by professional cleaning.

A daily oral care routine will help prevent further plaque build up

Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste to clean away plaque on the surface of the tooth and at the gum margin Regular flossing had been clinically proven to be the optimum way of cleaning the gumline and between teeth, where a toothbrush cannot clean thoroughly For additional protection rinse with an anti-plaque fluoride mouthwash

For more information on this and many other dental topics, please visit betteroralhealth.info.