Could You Have Gum Disease?
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Could You Have Gum Disease?
Chris Harmen writes for City Dental (http://www.citydentalonline.com), Los Angeles dentists. They offer a variety of comprehensive and cosmetic dental services, making them one of the best LA dentist practices around (http://www.citydentalonline.com).
Gum disease, more scientifically known as periodontal disease, is a dental problem that affects a lot of people — up to 50% of the population at some point in their lives. The disease is characterized by an infection and inflammation of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on our teeth) is full of bacteria just like the rest of the mouth. While most of this bacteria is harmless and even beneficial to us, problems begin to arise when this plaque is allowed to accumulate. Failing to remove the plaque with normal tooth brushing, flossing, and regular dentist visits means the microorganisms can build up in a thick layer, begin to produce acids, and irritate the gums.
Stages Of Periodontal Disease
There are two basic stages of gum disease. The first stage, gingivitis, may be hard to notice because people usually experience little to no discomfort. However, the gums may be red, swollen, and bleed easily. Gingivitis is usually caused by poor oral hygiene habits — simply not brushing and flossing enough. This milder stage of gum disease is usually reversible with a visit to your dentist and revised brushing and flossing habits.
If gingivitis goes untreated, it can lead to the more severe periodontitis. In this stage, plaque begins to spread and grow below the gum line. This leads to the breakdown of the tissues and bones that support the teeth. The gums separate from the teeth and form pockets that become infected. As the tissues and bones become further damaged, the tooth or teeth can become loose, fall out, or need to be removed.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors for developing gum disease:
a. Poor oral hygiene habits
b. Not visiting your dentist regularly
c. Eating foods high in sugar
d. Smoking or chewing tobacco
e. Poorly constructed fillings or crowns
f. Having anatomical teeth abnormalities
g. Having diabetes
h. Suffering from autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more
Women are more susceptible to periodontal problems than men are due to female hormones. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can worsen existing gingivitis, and those taking oral contraceptives or who are post-menopausal are also at a higher risk for developing the disease
Signs Of Gum Disease
a. Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth
b. Gums that are red, tender, and/or swollen
c. Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
d. Gums that seem to be pulling away from your teeth
e. A change in your bite, the way your teeth fit together, or how your dentures fit
f. Loose or separating teeth
Preventing Gum Disease
The most important ways to defend your mouth against developing periodontal disease are brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dental professional twice per year. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove larger particles and help reduce plaque buildup. Flossing is very important because it can remove smaller food particles near the gum line where toothbrushes can’t reach as easily. And be sure to schedule regular dentist visits. Dentists can see potential gum disease better than you can. With good oral hygiene habits and making dentist visits a priority, you should be able to prevent developing gum disease.
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