It's often the case that when we eventually go to the dentist for a checkup -- if we go at all -- we're eventually told we have some form of gum disease, usually of the periodontal variety, and that we need to do certain things about it. What to know about periodontal gum disease, then, means understanding how it develops, how it's treated and how we can, most importantly, prevent its appearance.
In terms of severity, this form of gum disease can range from mild to serious. In mild cases, the gums are inflamed and that's about it. In serious cases of disease, there could be extreme damage to the bone and soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. In the absolute worst of cases, teeth are lost permanently and the need for dentures or permanent prosthetic devices will be evident.
Causes of periodontal disease are fairly straightforward, with the plaque that forms on our teeth hardening into a kind of bacteria that can form into tartar that cannot be removed with just brushing. This tartar can also harbor even more bacteria than is present in the oral cavity of almost every human. Tartar can only be removed through cleaning performed by a dentist or hygienist.
Of course, the longer tartar and plaque are present in the mouth -- with plaque not removed via regular brushing and flossing -- the greater the chance they can cause inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis. Usually, common symptoms related to this condition involve gum swelling and reddening of the gums and possibly bleeding that can occur just from even light brushing of the teeth.
Fortunately, this condition doesn't cause the loss of tissue or bone that's seen in more severe forms of gum disease. If it isn't treated promptly, though, it can develop into a harsher form of gum disease known as periodontitis, which means "inflammation in and around the mouth." Tissue will begin to move away from the teeth and the pockets of space that appear can become infected.
The body goes into high gear and tries to stave off the infection which, unfortunately, begins to lead to deterioration of the connective tissues and bone that support the teeth. If the condition isn't addressed in a serious way, that tissue and bone can be lost forever and along with them the teeth. Medical treatments can include prescription medicines and, in serious cases, intricate surgery.
When it comes to the prevention of periodontal gum disease, the most obvious regimen involves flossing on a once daily basis, at least, and brushing on a twice daily basis, at least. Also, smoking and tobacco use are risk factors and should be stopped. Have a dental checkup on a regular basis and try to stick to a well-balanced diet. The disease is preventable and requires only minimum effort to make that the case. - 29879
In terms of severity, this form of gum disease can range from mild to serious. In mild cases, the gums are inflamed and that's about it. In serious cases of disease, there could be extreme damage to the bone and soft tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth. In the absolute worst of cases, teeth are lost permanently and the need for dentures or permanent prosthetic devices will be evident.
Causes of periodontal disease are fairly straightforward, with the plaque that forms on our teeth hardening into a kind of bacteria that can form into tartar that cannot be removed with just brushing. This tartar can also harbor even more bacteria than is present in the oral cavity of almost every human. Tartar can only be removed through cleaning performed by a dentist or hygienist.
Of course, the longer tartar and plaque are present in the mouth -- with plaque not removed via regular brushing and flossing -- the greater the chance they can cause inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis. Usually, common symptoms related to this condition involve gum swelling and reddening of the gums and possibly bleeding that can occur just from even light brushing of the teeth.
Fortunately, this condition doesn't cause the loss of tissue or bone that's seen in more severe forms of gum disease. If it isn't treated promptly, though, it can develop into a harsher form of gum disease known as periodontitis, which means "inflammation in and around the mouth." Tissue will begin to move away from the teeth and the pockets of space that appear can become infected.
The body goes into high gear and tries to stave off the infection which, unfortunately, begins to lead to deterioration of the connective tissues and bone that support the teeth. If the condition isn't addressed in a serious way, that tissue and bone can be lost forever and along with them the teeth. Medical treatments can include prescription medicines and, in serious cases, intricate surgery.
When it comes to the prevention of periodontal gum disease, the most obvious regimen involves flossing on a once daily basis, at least, and brushing on a twice daily basis, at least. Also, smoking and tobacco use are risk factors and should be stopped. Have a dental checkup on a regular basis and try to stick to a well-balanced diet. The disease is preventable and requires only minimum effort to make that the case. - 29879
About the Author:
Visiting your dentist on a regular basis is one of the most important things that you could do for your mouth, if you have kids, you must make sure that they do the same, to protect from gum disease also known as periodontal disease.
