GUM DISEASE, WHY WORRY?

One thing all of us have in common is we want to look and feel our best! Whether it's a new hair style, time set aside for the gym or new clothes, the intent is the same. High self esteem enables us to feel good and make a good impression on others. An important part of your self esteem is your smile. A beautiful smile, clean teeth and fresh breath are important assets for business and your personal life. Unfortunately, periodontal (gum) disease can destroy self esteem. Mouth odor and unsightly gums can actually cause others to shy away.

By age 35, three out of four adults develop some form of gum disease. Gum disease can occur at any age, but recent studies indicate a greater risk after age 35. This insidious disease is painless and if untreated will destroy the gums and bone surrounding your teeth and may eventually lead to tooth loss.

How can you avoid gum disease and its unpleasant consequences? The answer is simple. Exercise good judgment -- brush properly and floss every day. Also, see your dentist for regular cleanings. If you have neglected to do this, start today with a visit to your dentist. If periodontal disease is treated in the early stages, many times the damage can be reversed.

There are two stages of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. The first, gingivitis, is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria in plaque. The gums become red, swollen and bleed upon brushing. Normal bacteria in the mouth forms a thin film of plaque continuously on tooth surfaces. It's that sticky feeling on your teeth when you wake up in the morning. If plaque is not removed every day, it eventually hardens into calculus (tartar). Once calculus forms it can only be removed by your dentist or hygienist with special instruments. Gingivitis is curable with treatment from your dentist, followed by proper brushing and flossing at home. The advanced cordless toothbrushes and other oral healthcare products recommended by DentalMart (tm) will help you prevent plaque build up and maintain healthy gums and teeth.

If not corrected, gingivitis can progress into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a low grade infection of the gums. At this stage, even a high quality tooth brush may not control the disease because of the amount of calculus accumulated around the teeth. Bacteria in the calculus produces waste products which create toxins and volatile sulfur compounds. Toxins destroy the bone and gums around the teeth leading to the development of a periodontal pocket. A pocket is an abnormal deepening of the natural crevice or space between the teeth and gums. These spaces or crevices in healthy gums are normally 1 to 3mm deep. Periodontal pockets are a perfect environment for infection and if left untreated will painlessly progress deeper and deeper. If the pocket progresses beyond the normal depth of 3mm and reaches a depth of 5mm it is known as moderate periodontal disease. The volatile sulfur compounds produced by the bacteria are the leading cause of bad breath.

Even teeth that look healthy can be hiding pockets where bone is being destroyed. To evaluate for hidden gum disease your dentist will recommend x-rays and periodontal probing. The periodontal probe is a special instrument for measuring the pocket depth around each tooth. Periodontal disease is rarely confined to one tooth. It usually involves several teeth and may effect all of them. If your pockets are 5mm or less your dentist may suggest non surgical treatment involving special scaling of your teeth over several visits. At completion of this treatment, the dentist will reprobe your gums to evaluate the results. If the pockets decrease to a depth of 1-3mm, the periodontitis may be under control.

If there is no improvement or if your original pockets are in excess of 6mm (advanced periodontitis) your dentist may recommend surgery. Your dentist may perform the procedure or refer you to a gum specialist called a periodontist. The surgical procedure is performed to remove diseased tissue and allow the dentist to thoroughly clean the tooth structure. This makes it more difficult for plaque and calculus to accumulate. If the disease has caused a defect in the bone, your dentist may reshape the area or perform a bone graft procedure. The gums are sutured into place around the teeth, usually at a lower level than before the procedure in order to eliminate the pockets. Now you can keep the area free of plaque with daily brushing and flossing.

If periodontitis is not treated it will slowly and painlessly destroy the bone which supports the teeth. Untreated, the disease will eventually cause tooth loss. But it doesn't have to be that way! Early detection of gum disease, good professional care, and proper oral hygiene with DentalMart's (tm) oral health care products will guarantee a lifetime of healthy teeth and beautiful gums.

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