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Defining Gum Disease

Gum disease is often thought to be a problem that only the elderly suffer from. This is not the case. Gum disease can strike people of any age. Contrary to popular belief, gum disease is not always a result of not taking proper care of the teeth and gums. In the United States it is the presence of gum disease, and not the process of aging that leads to the loss of one or more teeth. Let us take a closer look at gum disease.

Gum disease is also commonly referred to as periodontal disease (pronounced per-ee-oh-don-tul). Two specific types of gum disease that can lead to the loss of teeth if left undiagnosed and untreated include gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal disease comes from the word sssperiodontalsss which stands for sssaround the tooth.sss In other words this type of disease weakens the bones that surround the teeth and the gum and that is why tooth loss is often the unfortunate result. Gum disease is a chronic disease that worsens over time and it is also a form of a bacterial disease.

To put it as simply as possible, gum disease is an infection that occurs in the bone and the tissues that help to keep the teeth in place in the gums. Most often gum disease starts to develop as a result of too much plaque on the teeth. Plaque is defined as sssan invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums.sss Plaque is composed of a certain amount of bacteria and these bacteria produce a number of toxins. The toxins serve to irritate and cause damage to the gums that the teeth are nestled in.

The mouth contains hundreds of kinds of bacteria that can wreak havoc on a regular basis and that is why every individual is encouraged to brush their teeth after every meal and to floss every day. Fighting plaque is an uphill battle and a constant one that can be won with proper care and maintenance. Visiting the dentist on a regular basis for cleanings and check ups is also imperative to good oral hygiene.

Gingivitis is gum disease in its mildest and most early form. When gingivitis sets in, the gums change from their natural healthy pink color to a redder shade and they then become swollen and develop the tendency to bleed with little provocation. This is a process that often happens gradually. At this stage there is generally very little pain and discomfort. Sometimes there is so little bleeding of the gums that the individual is not even aware that he or she has a problem with the teeth.

In some but not necessarily all incidences, gingivitis occurs as a result of oral hygiene that is well below normal standards. Be aware however that with proper care and professional dental intervention, gingivitis can be reversed and will not become more serious. If left untreated it will advance into the more damaging dental disease of periodontitis. At its worse, those afflicted with periodontitis can have teeth becoming loss from the gums and falling out.



The Progression of Gum Disease

Gum disease does not just happen all at once or sneak up on a person out of the blue. Gum disease is a problem that goes through a variety of stages and can start mild and then can become more serious and chronic as time passes. That is why it is so important to catch it at its earliest stage, in order to prevent further damage to the teeth, gums and surrounding bone.

Gum disease is a progressive problem that can become chronic if not kept in check. If your gums have a tendency to bleed when you brush and floss your teeth, even if it is only a little bit, then this is the precursor or the first sign of gum disease. Gingivitis (pronounced jin-juh-vy-tus) is the mildest form of gum disease and is a clear signal that trouble is setting in and the sooner you do something about it the better. Other early signs of gum disease include tenderness of the gum area, puffy and swollen gums and tenderness of the gums. These are all signs of concern and warrant a trip to the dentist office.

If you are the kind of person who does not brush your teeth as often as you should or if you are not as conscientious in your brushing as you ought to be, and don't get rid of plaque from the teeth every day then it will eventually harden on the teeth and take up permanent residence. The plaque will develop into a crust that is known as tartar (also sometimes called calculus). Once tartar begins to develop on the teeth, it begins to destroy the delicate tissue of the gums and by so doing, the gums begin to bleed very easily and the gum are no longer able to support the teeth as they once did. Teeth then begin to pull away from the gums. Once this starts to take place, the gum disease has then become more serious.

Periodontitis is the name given to the more harmful and advanced form of gum disease that sets in if not caught early on. In this stage, the gums become weaker and pockets form around the base of the affected teeth. These pockets are prime areas for bacteria to gather. At this stage, the gums are less able to fight off any type of bacteria or virus.

As gum disease continues to spread in the mouth, it becomes more and more destructive to the teeth and gums. The deeper tissues of the gums sustain damage and in the most extreme cases, it spreads even further to the jawbone that helps to support the teeth and keep everything in the mouth in place. Teeth then loosen and fall out very easily because there is nothing to support them in the mouth.

The longer gum disease is left undiagnosed and untreated, the worse it will become. This is a disease that will not reach a point and level off. Instead it will just keep getting worse and worse. It cannot be emphasized enough, learn to recognize the early warning signs of gum disease and do something about it as soon as you possibly can.

Causes of Gum Disease

It is estimated that approximately 15 percent of all adults between the ages of 21 and 50 years have some form of gum disease. For adults over the age of 50, the percentage is even higher- closer to 30 percent. Gum disease is also a combination disease of the gums, bone and teeth.

What causes gum disease? This is a question with a variety of different answers. Those professionals in the business of teeth believe that gum disease is caused by a number of different factors. Let us take a look at each one.

Plaque
Plaque is a terrible offender of teeth and gums. Plaque is basically a soft and sticky form of bacteria that clings to the teeth and is constantly forming on the teeth all of the time. For all intents and purposes, plaque is invisible but when it is not brushed away on a consistent basis, it begins to build up on the teeth where the gum line is and to the eye it looks like a thick, chalky white substance that then hardens on the teeth. This excess of bacteria then serves to irritate the gum tissues that are in place to support the teeth.

Once plaque builds up it is referred to as tartar. Tartar is an advanced form of plaque that is detrimental to the teeth and gums. The bacteria from tartar can lead to sore, red, swollen and bleeding gums, pockets of inflammation and infection that can destroy tissue. While brushing and flossing on a regular basis is an essential part of oral hygiene, visiting the dentist on a regular basis to have the teeth cleaned is also important. You should have your teeth professionally cleaned at least once every six months.

Smoking
It may come as a surprise to some people that doctors cite smoking as a cause of gum disease. Smoking ushers in a plethora of teeth problems including deep pockets developing at the base of teeth, tartar (or calculus) build-up, infection, bone loss, and advanced stage gum disease.

Smoking is detrimental to the body's ability to heal itself and therefore encourages the development of gum disease as opposed to fighting it. Smoking decreases the amount of saliva secreted by the mouth and it restricts the flow of blood, not to mention the fact that it wreaks havoc with the immune system. Nicotine from cigarettes causes changes in blood vessels and the delicate tissues of the mouth are not helped by the constant assault of smoke and heat.

Other causes
Gum disease can be caused by a variety of dental problems such as fillings that are defective, teeth that are in need of straightening, bridges or dentures that do not fit in the mouth properly and habits that develop over time such as grinding of the teeth. Not only does grinding of the teeth cause gum disease but it can also cause the teeth to be worn down to the point where the tooth will need to be replaced with a false one. Most people grind their teeth at night due to stress and dentists can fit these patients with a special mouthpiece to decrease the potential of damage to the teeth.



More Causes of Gum Disease that Might Surprise You

Some causes of gum disease such as not doing proper maintenance of your teeth are obvious but others are less so. Did you know that gum disease is more common in girls than in boys because of hormonal fluctuations? Due to hormonal changes in girls and women over their lifetime, such as the onset of puberty, pregnancy and the changes that accompany menopause, the gums can become more sensitive and therefore more susceptible to the development of problems.

Some women develop gingivitis during their pregnancies because of hormonal changes and this can lead to a form of ssspregnancy gingivitissss which will then go away after they have given birth. During these ssshormonal high pointssss in a woman's life the levels of estrogen and progesterone are high and results in changes in how the gums react to the bacteria that accompanies plaque.

Many different types of drugs and medications can affect the ability of the gum tissue to support the teeth and fight off bacteria. These include steroids, cancer therapy drugs, oral contraceptives (such as the pill, and Norplant) and anti-epilepsy drugs.

Other types of medications that can also contribute to the onset of gum disease include calcium channel blockers such as Adalat, Cardene and Vascor; antibiotics such as Ceclor, Monocid and Zinacef; Uricosuric such as Colbenemid; anticonvulsants such as Dilantin and Cyclosporin such as Neoral and Sandimmune.

Not consuming enough calcium can cause gum disease to take place. This is more of a concern for women than it is for men. Studies have shown that women from the ages of 20 to 39 years exhibit some of the lowest intake of calcium on a daily basis. This age group of women has a 54% chance of developing gum disease. This is a problem however that can be reversed. Women who consume a calcium supplement on a consistent basis are able to lower their chances by 27%.

Some oral diseases cause the development of microbes, which can increase the chance of gingivitis turning into the more serious problem of periodontitis. An example of this is porphyromonas gingivalis bacterium. Too much tartar on the teeth makes it possible for plaque to develop at an alarmingly swift rate and this leads to more bacterial plaque, which can make a bad dental problem even worse.

Abusing alcohol on a regular basis can increase a person's chances of developing gum disease. The reason for this is that alcohol batters down the gums and causes them to recede and this recession can then make the gum less able to adequately support the teeth.

Anything that serves to aggravate the tissue of gums can lay the groundwork for gum disease to take root. This includes such things as food that is impacted, smoking of tobacco products, consuming liquids that irritate the mouth, such as alcoholic beverages or soft drinks, and the improper and/or repetitive use of toothpicks. Always be careful what you put into your mouth, as you do not always know what damage it could cause. Be aware that researchers have discovered that gum disease may very well have a genetic link.



Teenagers and Gum Disease

The statistics taken on gum disease paint an interesting picture of the people most prone to develop gum disease. Many people wrongly assume that gum disease is a problem that naturally occurs as a person ages. This is not the case. Gum disease and old age do not have to go together. In fact while gum disease is uncommon in teenagers, the milder form of it, known as gingivitis, can easily strike at a young age. Let us examine teenagers and their chances of falling victim to gum disease.

Some researchers believe that teenagers who have parents with gum disease are more likely to develop it. The foods and beverages a teenager consumes also play a paramount role. Many teenagers consume far too many snack foods that are high in sugar and/or are fatty, fried or starchy foods. This can cause problems to start in the gums and teeth.

Teenagers who have braces on their teeth need to work harder to brush and floss their teeth than do those who do not have braces. Many teens get lazy and don't pay as much attention to their oral hygiene as they should and this can lead to the early stages of gum disease.

There are certain types of medical conditions such as diabetes, leukemia and Down syndrome that can increase a teenager's chances of developing gum disease as can a variety of types of antibiotics prescribed for many types of infections and common health concerns of teenagers.

The gums can suffer when the immune system is not strong just as many other parts of the body can suffer. Not eating a healthy well balanced diet, getting less than adequate sleep and trying to cope with high levels of stress can all run down the body's resources and can lead to gum disease. This is common with teenagers who are always on the go and often go straight from school to part time jobs.

Teenage girls run a higher risk of developing gum disease than do teenage boys. This is due to hormonal changes that take place when puberty begins. An increase in sex hormones in girls will change the way the gums react to the bacteria found in plaque. These changes can make the gums of teenagers girls very sensitive and more inclined to become sore and irritated. Some teenage females may notice that bleeding of their gums when they brush or floss their teeth occurs in varying degrees in the days leading up to their menstrual periods.

It is estimated that more than half of all teenagers worldwide have one form or another of gum disease, with gingivitis being the most common form. Teenagers who smoke are more likely to develop the problem than are non-smoking teenagers. Smoking breaks down the body's defences and causes the immune system to not work as nature intended. Blood vessels become restricted and the mouth tissues are constantly assaulted by the toxins found in cigarettes. The more a teenager smokes, the greater are his or her chances of developing gum disease. Smoking in teenagers is also related to developing mouth cancers early in life. This is yet another reason to kick the habit right away, and if you do not smoke, not to start.



Who is Most Likely to Develop Gum Disease?

Among the general population, men are more likely to suffer from the more Advanced form of gum disease- periodontitis- than are women. However among teenagers girls are more likely to develop gingivitis than are boys due to the surge of the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone that increase when a girl enters puberty.

Gum disease generally does not make itself known until a person is in their 30s or 40s and is not terrible common when people are in their 20s. However the mildest form of gum disease, known as gingivitis can start at any age. It is estimated that more than 75 percent of all Americans who are 35 years of age or older are affected by gum disease in varying degrees. Some studies go even further and say that it is as high as 80 percent of all adults currently residing in the United States.

Other studies have found other types of results. Some studies have shown the results that an estimated 15 percent of all adults between the ages of 21 years of age and 50 years have some form of gum disease. For adults over the age of 50, the percentage is closer to 30 percent. There is no doubt that gum disease presents a serious threat to the gums, teeth and surrounding bone. If you value your mouth and want to keep it healthy, you must take care of it to the best of your ability- that means brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis and going to the dentist for regular cleanings.

Gum disease in most instances is a preventable oral problem but the news for smokers is less encouraging. Adults who smoke are three times as likely as their non-smoking counterparts to develop periodontitis. Nicotine restricts blood flow, weakens the immune system and changes the amount of saliva that is found in the mouth. As well, most smokers do not tend to eat as healthy and as well balanced a diet as non-smokers do. This can make the problem even worse.

Research has shown that some individuals have a genetic predisposition to develop gum disease. Why this is the case is not readily known but studies are ongoing. It is theorized that 30 percent of people have this genetic susceptibility. Despite efforts to keep up with proper oral healthcare, these individuals may be six times as likely to develop gum disease that quickly progresses from gingivitis to the more advanced and serious periodontitis. Genetic tests have been developed to help isolate those who are more inclined to develop gum disease before the signs and symptoms make themselves known. This is beneficial because these individuals can then be put on an early interventive treatment that can help them keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout the duration of their lives.

A recent poll was conducted by Harris Interactive Inc. on 1,000 individuals over the age of 35 years and it found that approximately 60 percent of adults had very little knowledge of what gum disease is, the signs and symptoms, the available treatments and what it can do to the mouth. Some people had never even heard of it at all. The survey also found that 39 percent of people do not go to see a dentist on a regular basis for routine exams and cleanings.



Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease

It is important to educate yourself about what proper oral hygiene entails in order to prevent gum disease from starting in the first place. Dental professionals believe that gum disease is preventable, except in the cases where a person has a genetic susceptibility to develop it. Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults and therefore it is something that should not be ignored by anyone.

In May 2000 a Surgeon General's report defined the state of many Americans' bad oral health as a ssssilent epidemicsss and strongly recommended that a national effort or campaign be put into play in order to help improve upon the oral health of a great majority of American adults.

Gum disease often progresses very slowly and often does not cause any pain or discomfort until it reaches a more advanced and critical stage of development. Some people are completely taken by surprise when on a routine visit to their dentist they are told that they have gum disease. This automatically puts a person at greater risk of inflammation, infection and the loss of teeth.

Many of the signs and symptoms of gum disease are extremely subtle and often seem to almost sneak up on people and catch them unaware. It is important to be able to recognize the warning signs and to take action as soon as possible by scheduling a visit to the dentist. The more signs a person has, the more worrisome the problem is.

The most common signs and symptoms of gum disease are as follows:

1. Gums bleed very easily while the teeth are being brushed or in some cases, afterwards. Some people also experience bleeding gums when they floss their teeth.
2. Gums are red in color as opposed to pinkish and are tender, sore and swollen and may be irritated further by certain foods, beverages or by the process of being brushed.
3. Deep pockets that can easily harbour bacteria develop between the teeth and the gums.
4. When the teeth and gums are pressed pus will appear (pus will have developed in the areas where the pockets are at the base of the teeth).
5. Gums that show signs of recession (in other words, the teeth appear to be pulling away from the gums)
6. Bad breath that has become chronic and/or a bad taste in the mouth that never seems to go away.
7. Individual teeth are becoming looser, are shifting or are moving and separating from other teeth.
8. A person notices that their teeth no longer fit together as they once did and that their bite has been altered.
9. Anyone who has partial dentures might notice that they no longer fit as properly or as well as they once did.

Other less common signs of gum disease include pain and discomfort when chewing food and teeth that become more sensitive to temperatures such as very cold or very hot foods or liquids.

It is important to be aware that a person can have gum disease and not show any signs or symptoms at all. For example it is possible to develop gum disease around a single tooth and not know it. This is especially the case if the tooth is near the back of the mouth. Only a dentist can clearly identify gum disease for what it is.









Diagnosing Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive disease that does not have to take place if you do not let it. Excellent, above average oral hygiene is extremely important to ensure that the millions of bacteria that are living in the mouth are kept in check on a consistent basis. Faltering in how you take care of your teeth is never a good thing.

Not all bacteria in the mouth are bad but many can be harmless to the teeth and gums. These bacteria take up residence in the mouth in the form of plaque. That is why plaque must be removed from the teeth every day and not given the chance to harden and cause more damage. Plaque will continue to develop on teeth to the point where the gums will become red, swollen, sore, puffy and irritated and this can lead to bleeding. If left undiagnosed, both bone and connective tissue in the mouth can be destroyed and teeth will then loosen. In turn this could cause teeth to fall out on their own or have to be extracted by a dentist.

Diagnosing gum disease early is key to treating it. When you go to see your dentist he will closely examine your gums to see if they appear to be unhealthy in any way. A dental instrument known as a periodontal probe will be gently manoeuvred in your mouth to measure the depth of the spaces that exist between your teeth and the gum lines. The probe resembles a tiny ruler.

At the edge of where the gum line starts, gum tissue that is healthy forms what amounts to a very sssshallow V-shaped groovesss known as sulcus. This is sulcus is located between the teeth and the gums. Sometimes they are also referred to as periodontal pockets or simply ssspockets.sss In a person with a healthy mouth and normal sulcus the depth is anywhere from one to three millimetres. In people who exhibit signs of gum disease, the sulcus causes deeper pockets to develop between the teeth and gums and they can then harbour bacteria from plaque that is difficult to get rid of with simple everyday brushing and flossing.

During the exam the dentist will check to see if the gums show any signs of weakness, bleeding, inflammation or swelling and whether they are firm or not. The teeth will also be carefully checked to see whether there is any sensitivity or whether any movement is noted. The dentist will also carefully look at a person bite by asking then to close their teeth together to see if it has changed at all since their last trip to the dentist.

The dentist might ask questions of the patient regarding their medical history and their lifestyle such as what prescription medication they have taken in the past and whether they smoke or drink. Full mouth x-rays could be done to help determine whether the bone surrounding the teeth and gums is showing any signs of breaking down. If the doctor believes that a very real concern exists then he is likely to refer the patient to a periodontist.


Types of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is another name for advanced gum disease. It starts out as gingivitis, which can then develop into a more serious oral problem if nothing is done about it. The key is to make oral hygiene a top priority. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and eat a diet that promotes strong healthy teeth, bones and gums. Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a routine exam and cleanings. If you notice any bleeding, inflammation, soreness or redness of the gums in between dental visits then schedule one right away and don't wait. This also goes for sensitive and loose teeth.

Periodontal disease can take more than one form. Let us take a look at the different types of gum disease. Keep in mind that there are rare instances where periodontal disease has a genetic link.

Gingivitis
Gingivitis is considered to be the starting point for gum or more advanced periodontal disease. It is also the mildest form of the oral disease. Gingivitis is commonly mentioned in health classes in school and in toothpaste commercials on television.

Gingivitis causes the gums to look red in color instead of pink and they can become swollen, puffy and can bleed with little pressure exerted on them at all. In most cases gingivitis does not causes any degree of discomfort but some people may notice that their teeth are more sensitive than they used to be. The good news is that gingivitis is a reversible condition and can be improved upon with excellent oral hygiene at home and professional treatments at the dentist's office.

Aggressive Periodontitis
This type of periodontal disease can rear its ugly head in individuals who are otherwise healthy. The most common features of aggressive periodontitis are bone destruction, rapid attachment loss and familial aggregation.

Chronic Periodontitis
This type of periodontal disease occurs when the gum problem has been left untreated and undiagnosed for a lengthy period of time. Inflammation and swelling takes place in the tissues that support the teeth and there is evidence of progressive attachment and bone loss. Pockets form at the base of the teeth and the gum line and /or the gums begins to show signs of recession. This is the most common form of periodontal disease and is more commonly seen in adults than young people but can effect occur in individuals of any age. Attachment loss generally takes a long period of time to occur but it can progress quickly in some cases.

Periodontitis as a Result of Systemic Diseases
Periodontal disease sometimes will start at a young age when a person is afflicted with one of many systemic diseases such as diabetes for example.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases
Necrosis is the death of tissue or cells and in this case an infection sets into the gum tissues, periodontal ligament and/or alveolar bone that causes lesions. This condition is most often seen in people who suffer from systemic forms of medical conditions such as HIV, immunosuppression or malnutrition. There are other types of systemic conditions but these are three of the most talk about kinds.



General Treatment of Gum Disease

The treatment for advanced gum disease is twofold- the goal is to control and heal any infection that has set in and to also stop the further progression of the problem. Treatment options that will be encouraged include home care maintenance such as proper brushing and flossing as well as eating a healthy diet of foods that support the gums, teeth and surrounding bone. Non-surgical therapies can also be put into play such as deep cleaning in the form of scaling and root planing which helps to inhibit the development of dangerous bacteria in the mouth. In the most serious of cases, surgery could be needed to restore the bone and supporting tissues. Dentists often recommend that patients of gum disease give up smoking and relative drinking in order to increase the success rate of their treatment.

If a patient has gingivitis then the dental hygienist will get rid of the plaque and tartar that has built up above the below the gum line. People showing signs of the beginnings of gum disease may be strongly encouraged to visit the dentist for check ups more than every six months. It is likely that the dentist will recommend that the patient use a toothpaste and/or mouth rinse that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for fighting gingivitis.

At the present time the only FDA approved toothpaste is Colgate Total. Besides containing fluoride, which is essential in the fight against cavities, Colgate Total contains a mild antimicrobial substance known as triclosan, which has been proved through clinical studies to decrease plaque on the teeth and therefore gingivitis if it is used on a consistent basis. A mouth rinse that is composed of the ingredient chlorhexidine has also been approved by the FDA to fight plaque and gingivitis but at the present time, it is only available with a prescription.

If the doctor notes that the gums are showing signs of recession or if there has been a small degree of bone loss then the standard form of treatment for this is known as scaling and root planning (SRP). SRP is a non-surgical form of intensive deep cleaning that can mean the difference between the worsening of the condition or not.

Scaling is done first. Scaling involves scraping the tartar from both above and below the gum line while root planing means to remove the rough spots on the roots of the teeth and to smooth the areas where germs can collect to wreak havoc with the teeth. This process also helps to adequately get rid of as much bacteria as possible that can contribute to more serious problems. Once the surface is clean and smooth gums can then begin the process of healing and reattaching to the teeth.

The FDA approved a drug in 1998 called Periostat (doxycycline hyclate), which helps to fight gum disease and is used in conjunction with scaling and root planning. The SRP process is primarily undertaken to get rid of bacteria while the Periostat is a pill that is taken by mouth. This pill works to suppress the work of an enzyme known as collagenase, which can cause do a great deal of danger to the teeth and the gums.



Medications and Antibiotic Treatments for Gum Disease

Some dentists will prescribe some forms of medication to accompany treatments such as scaling and root planning but there are instances where the disease is too advanced and surgery must be seriously looked at. Antibiotic treatments can be used with a variety of oral therapies as well as surgery and in some cases are used by themselves to decrease the levels of bacteria or to get rid of as much of the harmful bacteria as possible.

Many of those in the medical and dental professions however believe that antibiotics are prescribed to patients too often and this overuse and sometimes abuse of antibiotics can lead to the risk of bacteria and germs becoming resistant to the antibiotics, thus destroying their effectiveness in working the way they were meant to.

The knowledge of this potential resistant to antibiotics has scientists and researchers working to create new strategies to reduce the chance that a resistant to an antibiotic will occur. What happens sometimes is this- a person is prescribed an antibiotic for a bacterial related infection. The antibiotic may kill off most of the harmful bacteria but a few of the germs may remain behind in the body. These germs then will mutate or they will develop resistance genes that they take from other bacteria found in the body. These resistance genes can then quickly go to work to multiply, thereby creating strains that are resistant to the antibiotics that are meant to do away with them. These strains in the body mean that the next time the individual has a similar infection, the same drug will get rid of it. This is especially frightening for people with serious illnesses who require antibiotics on a frequent basis.

Three new antibiotic drugs have recently been approved by the FDA that has been proven to not have problems with resistant. These drugs are applied directly to the periodontal pocket and are to be given in sustained-release does. The drugs are Atridox (doxycycline hyclate), Arestin (minocycline) and PerioChip (chlorhexidine gluconate). Antibiotics that are applied directly to the surface of the gums do not affect the functioning of the entire human body in the way that taking antibiotics orally does.

A variety of medications are presently used for people who suffer from gum disease:

Prescription Antimicrobial Mouth Rinse
This prescription mouth rinse is composed of an antimicrobial substance known as chlorhexidine that effectively inhibits bacteria formation during gingivitis treatment and following gum surgery.

Antiseptic sssChipsss
This is a small piece of gelatine that contains chlorhexidine and is used to inhibit bacteria and decrease the size of the pockets at the gum line. This antiseptic ssschipsss is placed into the mouth after root planning has been done.

Antibiotic Gel
This gel contains the antibiotic ingredient doxycycline and has the same purpose as the antiseptic ssschipsss. The gel is used after SRP and is released into the system slowly over a period of approximately seven days.

Enzyme Suppressant
This contains a small dose of doxycycline and helps to keep harmful enzymes in their place. The enzyme suppressant is a pill that is commonly used in conjunction with SRP.



Other Measures Used to Treat Gum Disease

Scaling and root planing are intensive deep cleaning procedures that work well for those who have periodontal disease but there are instances where the disease has been left to its own devices and have advanced too far for this procedure to do much good. Medications and antibiotics can kill germs and help to suppress the progression of gum recession and bone loss. There are a variety of medications used including a prescription antimicrobial mouth rinse, an antiseptic chip, an antibiotic gel, antibiotic microspheres and an enzyme suppressant.

There are other measures that dentists will employ when it comes to the treatment of gum disease. It cannot be emphasized enough that the mildest form of gum disease known as gingivitis is something that can be reversed and need not lead to a worsening of the problem.

Curettage is one such treatment method that a dentist may put into play. In this case the diseased gum tissue is sitting in an infected periodontal pocket and is carefully scraped away with an instrument for that express purpose. Once the disease part is dispensed with, this allows the area to begin the healing process.

Flap surgery is often employed if deep pockets and inflammation continue after SRP and a variety of medications have been used. Flap surgery is done by lifting back the gums and then carefully removing the tartar that is to be found there. The gums are then carefully sewn back in a way that allows the tissue to fit snugly and securely around the tooth or teeth. Flap surgery also decreases the deep pockets that remain, thereby making it less likely that bacteria will develop.

Bone grafts are a form of surgery that is undertaken to replace the bone that has been destroyed by advanced gum disease. The replacement bone is either synthetic bone, donated bone or small fragments of the patient's own bone. Bone grafts make it possible for bones to heal and grow strong again and this in turn restores the stability and support of the teeth and gums.

Soft tissue grafts help to improve the condition of thin gums or gums that have already shown signs of recessive activity. In this case, grafted tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and sutured in place over the area where the gums have receded. This transplanted gum tissue will then grow in place and make the gums stronger than they were before.

Guided tissue regeneration is surgery that is done in conjunction with flap surgery to stimulate the gum tissue and bone to grow as much as possible. A tiny piece of fabric resembling mesh is placed between the gum tissue and the bone in this medical procedure. This is done to prevent the gum tissue from growing into the place where the bone should ordinarily be found. Doing this makes it possible for the connective tissue and bone to grow again and heal.

Another type of procedure is known as bone (osseous) surgery. This procedure works to smooth the shallow craters that are evident on the bone as a result of moderate to advanced loss of bone. This form of surgery is undertaken after flap surgery when the bone is carefully reshaped in order to reduce the number of craters that exist. Doing this makes it difficult for bacteria to form and develop.



How to Prevent Gum Disease

Using your common sense, eating a well balanced nutritious diet and educating yourself about how to best take care of your teeth and gums are the most important ways to prevent the development of gum disease. Be smart about your health and put daily oral hygiene practices into play at all times.

Learn the proper way to brush your teeth and brush them at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal. Make sure that the bristles of your toothbrush are able to get under the gum line, as this is where bacteria start to grow, along with plaque and tartar.

Always floss once a day, preferably before you go to bed at night. If you have a large space between any of your teeth then use an interdental brush and remember to clean behind the last tooth in any corners of your mouth. It is important to note that brushing and flossing are both essential for good oral hygiene. Brushing gets rid of the plaque that is found on the surface of the teeth which flossing serves to get rid of the plaque that can be found between each tooth and under the gum line. This is often where the problem starts so do not think that brushing your teeth is enough because it is not.

It is wise to use an antiseptic mouthwash after you brush your teeth. To help a case of gingivitis choose a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine gluconate or else one that contains hydrogen peroxide. Steer clear of alcohol-based mouthwashes as these will serve to irritate gum disease even worse. Be aware that bone loss and receding gums cannot be helped with the use of an antiseptic mouthwash.

Regular check-ups at the dentist, with or without x-rays are essential as are professional cleanings with a qualified dental hygienist. Most dentists will recommend that patients schedule check ups and cleanings every six months but some patients with advanced periodontal disease might be strongly encouraged to come more often than that.

Check ups at the dentist are necessary to monitor a patient's oral hygiene and to identify whether or not the problem is becoming worse. The early signs of periodontal disease can be picked up on by a routine check up and x-rays can indicate whether bone loss has or is taking place. Once a course of treatment has been decided upon it is imperative that the dentist carefully monitor the patient's response to such. All treatment methods do not work for everyone and it may become necessary to switch from one treatment to another in order to see more improved results.

Most dentists or hygienists use a special type of dental instrument to clean and debride the teeth that are below the gum line in order to get rid of any plaque that has started to grow there. After a professional cleaning such as this, bacteria and plaque have the tendency to go back to the levels they were at before the cleaning after approximately three to four months time, hence the dentist will then decide what intervals can remain between cleanings for patients based on their dental health history.






The Basics of Optimum Dental Health

Gum disease is often thought of as an oral disease of neglect. If you do not treat your teeth and gums well and give them what they need then they will break down and develop a multitude of problems. In this way, your teeth and gums are no different than the rest of the human body.

The basics of optimum dental health in order to not have to worry about gum disease in the future are really quite simple. It is important to brush and floss the teeth on a regular basis and to get enough fluoride to strengthen the teeth and fight cavities from developing. It is also essential to eat a healthy diet and to receive regular dental care from a qualified dental professional. This includes regular dental exams and cleanings.

It is essential to take exceptional care of the mouth, gums and teeth from the very start of life in order to prevent future gum disease from setting in. The first set of teeth that grows in must be taken care of just as well as permanent teeth. Take care of your baby's teeth by making sure that they get cleaned every day but make sure you do so gently. Be aware that children under the age of two should never have toothpaste used on their teeth.

Never allow your baby to fall asleep in his or her crib with a bottle of milk or juice as both can be damaging to the baby's small teeth.

Once your children are old enough to brush their teeth teach them the proper way to do it and make sure they understand how important it is to keep their teeth clean on a regular basis. Make oral hygiene an important priority fro the whole family. Take your children to the dentist on a regular basis and make sure they see you doing the same for yourself.

Be aware that fruits, vegetables and cheeses are all very healthy and nutritious foods for your older children. Give them these foods for snacks as opposed to potato chips, donuts, candy or cookies.

Be aware that research has proven that too much stress can be bad for your teeth in the same way that it is bad for other parts of your body as well as your mind. Increasing proof has shown that there is a definitive link between gum disease and high levels of stress. Researchers closely scrutinized 57 percent of recent studies done that showed a positive correlation between stress, gum disease and a number of emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, sadness, feelings of hopelessness, loneliness and distress.

Researchers discovered many years ago that a certain level of cell damage occurs to the mouth as a result of brushing them. Surprisingly this may actually be good for the gums. The bristles of a toothbrush can tear small holes in the epithelial cells that line the gums as well as the tongue resulting in a brief split that heals over. Research is showing that the gums get used to this mechanical form of stress and as a result become healthier and thicker and therefore more resistant to gum disease.



Diabetes and Gum Disease

Medical professionals have discovered that there is a link between the disease diabetes and gum disease. People who have diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease and have to be a great deal more careful with their oral health. Gum disease is an infection that starts small in the tissues of the gums and bones and gets worse over time. Gum disease has been connected to diabetes, stroke and also heart disease.

What factors connect diabetes to gum disease?
Research studies have shown that individuals who have an insufficient amount of control over their level of blood sugar are more inclined to develop gum disease and do so more frequently than do individuals with diabetes that are better able to control this problem.

Diabetes is a disease that slows down the circulation of the blood and can in turn make the tissues of the gums more prone to any number of infections. Diabetes also plays a key role in decreasing the body's ability to resist infections, both bacterial and viral and this makes it extremely possible for the gums to get infected.

The saliva that is present in the mouth has an impact on gum disease and when there are high glucose levels in saliva as is common in those who suffer from diabetes, this means that more bacteria are present which can then increase the chances of even more bacteria forming and wreaking havoc in the mouth.

Diabetes and smoking on their own are both health concerns but put together they are even more worrisome. Individuals who smoke and have diabetes are at a greater risk of developing gum disease than are those people who just smoke but do not have diabetes. The two things together create a very big health problem.

Oral hygiene is essential for everyone and the better it is, the less likely that gum disease will set in. Excellent oral hygiene is particularly important for those who have diabetes, as poor oral hygiene is a common reason for diabetics to develop gum disease in the first place. In some cases it may not be the number one reason but it is a contributing factor.

When you have diabetes it is important to be able to recognize the signs that gum disease may be starting. The sooner you realize that you are developing gum disease, the sooner something can be done about it. The most obvious signs of gum disease include red, puffy and swollen gums, gums that are likely to bleed very easily, loose teeth or gums that are showing signs of pulling away from the teeth, constant bad breath that never seems to go away, changes in the way teeth fit together when the mouth is closed and changes in the way dentures or partial fit in the mouth (if you have any of these things).

As a diabetic be aware of what extra measures you muse take to maintain above average oral hygiene such as eating a healthy, well balanced diet, quitting smoking and maintaining proper control over your blood sugar level.



Crown Lengthening and Pocket Depth Reduction Procedures

Periodontists use a variety of means to help patients who suffer from chronic gum disease. However these dental specialists do other types of dental procedures as well. For those who need restorative or cosmetic dental work that is directly related to the gums there are things that can be done to ensure a healthy and attractive smile. Two of these procedures are known as crown lengthening and pocket depth reduction procedures. Let us take a closer look at each one of these.

Crown lengthening is commonly undertaken when a patient has what is often referred to as a sssgummy smilesss. What this means is that too much gum is showing and not enough teeth when the patient smiles. The teeth may seem to look far too short in the mouth when in reality they are the appropriate lengths but instead there is an excess of gum tissue covering them. To improve upon this a periodontist will do something known as crown lengthening.

During a crown lengthening procedure, the excess amounts of gum and bone tissue are reshaped in an attempt to expose more of the teeth that are hiding beneath the gum line. In some cases the problem may involve only one tooth while in other cases it may be a number of different teeth in a row.

Crown lengthening is also sometimes done in order to restore a tooth such as when a tooth is broken or decayed that is below the gum line. This procedure might also be done if the tooth has very little structure to it and needs to have a crown or bridge placed over it. Crown lengthening makes it possible for a tooth to be restored by exposing it to the naked eye.

Bone and gum tissue is supposed to snugly fit around the teeth but for people, who have periodontal disease, pockets form around the base of the teeth that destroy this support system. These pockets get larger and larger over time and allow more and more bacteria to get in. The more bacteria that get into the pockets, the deeper they become and the more bone and tissue loss take place. If too much bone is damaged over time, either the tooth or teeth will fall out on their own or they will need to be removed.

A periodontist will recommend pocket depth reduction when the pockets at the base of the teeth have reached a critical and dangerous stage. If deep cleaning at the dentist's office no longer works then this procedure is undertaken.

The periodontist will carefully fold back the gum disease during the procedure and then take away the bacteria that is causing the disease. He will then carefully secure the gum tissue back into place. Some periodontists will smooth down areas of damaged bone, which helps support the gum tissue in reattaching itself to the bone and beginning the healing process.

Reducing the depth of these pockets help to limit the amount of bacteria that can accumulate and prevents further damage to the teeth, bones and gums from taking place.



Gum Disease and You

Taking above average care of yourself in every way is extremely important and should be high on every person's priority list. Yet another reason to eat right, get plenty of rest, exercise frequently and practice good hygiene is because it can affect what is happening in your mouth at any given time.

In July of 1998 the American Academy of Periodontology did a series of studies that pointed to something they had long suspected- that infections that develop in the mouth can cause problems in other parts of the body.

Since that date, more and more evidence has come along to support these findings. While studies are ongoing, medical professionals have been able to let the public know that individuals who develop periodontal disease are much more likely to develop a host of other health problems than are those who never develop the oral disease. These health conditions include heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, uncontrolled diabetes, and preterm births. Periodontal disease is a type of bacterial infection and is therefore just as much of a concern as is a bacterial infection that occurs in other parts of the body.

Bacteria from periodontal disease can get into the bloodstream and then make its way to any of the major organs such as the liver, pancreas and kidneys and from there can develop into new kinds of infections. Research looking at this is theorizing that this could very likely increase the risk of a person having a stroke and could also contribute to the start of heart disease, which happens to be the number one killer in the United States. This could also pose a very grave danger to individuals who suffer from diabetes, osteoporosis and any number of respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis. This can also increase a pregnant woman's chances of giving birth preterm to a baby that is very low in weight.

Taking care of yourself and caring about your health in general also includes paying attention to your teeth and gums and indeed your mouth in general. Be aware that sometimes periodontal disease can only be detected by way of a dental exam. A periodontal exam is particularly important if you can identify any symptoms of the oral disease and also if you are a woman who is contemplating getting pregnant. If you have a family member that has periodontal disease then you are more inclined to develop it as it has been shown to have a genetic link and therefore you should visit your dentist as frequently as possible. Anyone who has such diseases as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis or respiratory disease should go to their dentist for regular exams and cleanings. Never neglect your oral health.

Research into the specifics of periodontal disease has put forth the theory that bacteria that results from periodontal disease can easily travel by way of saliva. What this means is that contact between people such as kissing, sharing straws or utensils can pass infected saliva from one individual to another. Some families have a genetic link, which makes this a greater threat to oral health.



Pregnancy and Dental Health

Becoming pregnant is a wonderful state of being that causes a great deal of changes in the body. There is an old wives tale that when it comes to pregnancy there is, sssA tooth for every child.sss While this is not exactly the truth, women will experience changes in their teeth and gums when they become pregnant and as they go through the different trimesters of their pregnancy.

There is a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis and approximately half of all women will experience it. Unlike regular gingivitis this type can cause a certain level of pain and discomfort and bring on such symptoms as bleeding, redness, swelling, puffiness, and tenderness in the tissues of the gums. If pregnancy gingivitis is allowed to develop into the more serious periodontal disease then the attachment fibers of the teeth can weaken and bone loss and loosened teeth can result. This can inadvertently affect the health of the baby, both before and after he or she is born.

Research studies have clearly shown that there is a strong connection between gum disease and women giving birth to babies who are preterm and low birth weight. Some studies have suggested that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times as likely to have a baby that comes into the world too soon and is tiny in size as opposed to women who do not show any signs of gum disease. It is strongly believed that the reason for this is a chemical that is ssslabor-inducingsss and is found in the bacteria in the mouth known as prostaglandin. Women who have been diagnosed with severe periodontal disease often show extremely high levels of this chemical in their system.

Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease should visit their doctor as often as possible. A periodontist is likely to recommend a type of non-surgical procedure known as scaling and root planing. This procedure involves cleaning the teeth and roots of teeth in order to get rid of plaque and tartar that has built up in the pockets at the base of the teeth. The roots of the teeth will then be smoothed down in order to get rid of the bacteria and toxins that reside there.

Scaling and root planing are dental procedures that can be very effective at decreasing the risk that a woman with gum disease will suffer a preterm birth. These procedures are also effective at reducing many of the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany gum disease such as redness, swelling and tenderness of the gums.

In order to decrease your chances of a premature birth and all of the problems that this brings a woman should take a multivitamin supplement every day that contains at least 400 micrograms of folic acid which is a B vitamin, both in the months before she becomes pregnant and during her pregnancy. She should also give up smoking and drinking and engage in neither during her pregnancy. Even one drink and one cigarette can be harmful to a developing fetus. Always follow your doctor's and dentist's orders and take as good of care of your health and your body as you possibly can.



Older Adults and Gum Disease

In today's society people are living longer and healthier lives than ever before and this means that oral health is as imperative when a person is young as it is when they are older. Research studies have shown that older adults have the highest rates of gum disease among all age groups. An estimated half of individuals over the age of 55 years who are not institutionalized suffer from periodontal disease. Approximately one out of every four individuals who are 65 years of age and older have lost a portion of their teeth and in some instances, all of their teeth.

Many older adults have gum tissue that is receding. Studies have shown that the majority of seniors have this problem. The leading cause of the loss of teeth in senior citizens is tooth decay and periodontal disease.

Oral health is not just about having a pearly white healthy smile but is also a quality of life issue. Teeth are one aspect of overall healthcare and they are an essential element of being a healthy and happy individual.

It is important to keep in mind the role that teeth play in the mouth. Every single tooth in the mouth helps in terms of speaking, chewing and kissing. Every individual tooth is important to the proper alignment of all of the other teeth.

One of the most common reasons that joint replacements do not work in older adults is because infection sets in. The infection can travel to the area in the mouth where the replacement came from and this can open the door for gum disease to start.

Individuals who have loose teeth, missing teeth or even those with dentures or partial dentures very often cannot eat as well as people with healthy teeth because biting into many types of foods, such as carrots, apples or pears is difficult and very often painful. What this amounts to is that the older adult loses out on important vitamins and minerals.

More and more research studies have discovered that advanced gum disease in the form of periodontal disease is closely linked to disease such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke and a variety of respiratory disease. It is interesting to note that it is not just young people that care about their smile. The majority of males and females over the age of 65 years report that they want very much to have an attractive smile and believe that it is an important aspect of a person's overall appearance.

Many older adults take a variety of medications that can have side effects that affect how good or bad their dental health is. There are hundreds of these types of medications prescribed for different purposes that can wreak havoc. Some side effects noted include dry mouth, changes in the soft tissue, overgrowth of gingivitis, sore throats, and changes in the taste buds. Examples of these kinds of medications include medications for high blood pressure, antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics and painkillers. Speak with your doctor about the possible problems that taking certain types of medications could have on your teeth and gums. Always make sure that you make your oral health a number one priority.



How Women Can Protect Their Teeth and Gums

The oral health of women is of particular concern on account of the many hormone changes that a woman goes through throughout her life span. Fluctuations in hormones can play a tremendous role in the health of the teeth and gums. Studies have shown that women have a tendency to take better care of their mouth than do men but for many there is still improvements that can be made.

The onset of puberty causes an increase in the female sex hormone progesterone and to a smaller extent, estrogen and this means that there is an increased level of blood flowing to the gums, which can lead to discomfort and increased sensitivity. This can also means that the gums get irritated very easily in relation to plaque and particles of food. Puberty for girls can signal red and swollen gums and gums that are tender to the touch of a toothbrush and a piece of dental floss.

Some women experience what is known as menstruation gingivitis. In this case women of all ages may have to cope with bright red, puffy and bleeding gums and in some instances, sores that develop on the inside of the cheek area. It is not called menstruation gingivitis for nothing- this problem will show up right before the start of a menstrual period and will leave once it is gone.

When women are pregnant sometimes gingivitis will rear its ugly head once again. Pregnancy gingivitis if it is going to occur will do so starting in the second or third month and will continue to get worse up until the eighth month or thereabouts. Research studies estimate that an estimated half of all females will experience pregnancy-induced gingivitis, which is worse for some women than it is for others.

Pregnancy gingivitis differs from ordinary gingivitis in that it can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort in much the same way that menstruation gingivitis can. This type of gingivitis makes itself known by way of bleeding, redness, swelling, puffiness, and tenderness in the tissues of the gums. If pregnancy gingivitis is allowed to develop into chronic and advanced gum disease known as periodontal disease, then the attachment fibers of the teeth can weaken and bone loss can take place. Some women will have teeth that are looser in the gums than they were before. This can inadvertently affect the health of the baby, both before and after delivery.

In some instances, gums that have swollen because of this kind of gingivitis can develop adverse reactions to a variety of kinds of irritants and can then develop into large lumps. These growths are referred to as pregnancy tumors. It is important to note that these pregnancy growths are very seldom cancerous and they are also not often painful. If the tumor or tumors remain for too long, they should be examined by a periodontist and may have to be surgically removed.

Being menopausal or post-menopausal can bring about changes to oral health. Women at these stages in their lives might notice such things as dry mouth, a general feeling of discomfort in the mouth, a change in the ability to taste foods that are sour, salty or peppery and discomfort and a feeling of burning in the gums.



Listen Closely to the Dental Hygienist

Dentists play an important role in the health of teeth and gums but so do all other types of dental professionals such as dental hygienists. Dental hygienists are the people who clean your teeth and also the people who teach you how to brush and floss properly. The dental hygienist is also extremely concerned with helping patients to prevent future dental problems. Hygienists teach their patients how to keep their teeth healthy by instituting a regular dental routine that can last a lifetime.

Hygienists will stress the importance of brushing teeth after every meal to get rid of the plaque that has started to develop due to the foods you have just consumed. Many people however do not realize the essential role that flossing plays in overall exceptional oral health care. Brushing and flossing are both important dental activities but when taken together they are a winning and unstoppable combination.

Flossing is done to get rid of the plaque that is found between teeth and at the gum line, which is where gum disease is likely to get its start. Reaching the sides of teeth and the areas between each tooth is extremely important in order to say that your teeth are genuinely clean. An excess of plaque on teeth is not just bad for the teeth but research studies have indicated that it is linked to such health problems as diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

Many dental hygienists have a credo that they enjoy reciting to their patients or have written on a poster that hangs on their wall. This credo is, sssBrush and floss everyday, to keep your dentist at bay!sss

A dental hygienist can teach her patients all about the most appropriate techniques for brushing the teeth and also can recommend the best toothbrushes, brands of toothpaste and types of dental floss. For example, for patients who do not enjoy brushing their teeth or who have sensitive gums, hygienists might recommend the use of an electric toothbrush with any number of extra dental gadgets. Patients can ask questions of their dental hygienists and are likely to leave the office armed with plenty of helpful dental hints that can be put to good use.

Toothbrushes are a big issue with hygienists as are brands of toothpaste. Always choose a soft bristled toothbrush so you will not scratch or irritate your gums. The softer it is the better. As far as toothpastes are concerned, Colgate Total comes out ahead of all of the other brands, hands down. At present this is the only FDA approved kind of toothpaste on the market. Besides containing fluoride, which is essential in the fight against cavities, Colgate Total contains a mild antimicrobial substance known as triclosan, which has been proven through a number of different research studies to decrease plaque on the teeth and therefore gingivitis if it is used on a regular basic. Day to day use is seriously recommended.

People of all ages can benefit from sitting down in a dental hygienist's chair, whether they are three years old or 83 years old and everything in between. Most dentists have a qualified hygienist on staff while some dental hygienists strike out on their own and have their own offices separate from dentists. If you start taking your youngsters to the dental hygienist early in their lives they will get used to them and are not likely to develop a fear of going to see the hygienist for a cleaning or the dentist for a routine check-up.




Tips to Prevent and Treat Gum Pain

Gum pain is no fun for anyone so read on for some tips on how to prevent and treat this type of pain when it happens to you. Gum pain is often a sign of gum disease and therefore must be taken seriously. If gum pain is a problem you experience far too often for your liking then the sooner you go to see the dentist for a diagnosis, the better.

Quit smoking
Smoking is unhealthy in so many ways but did you know that it can also be one of the causes of gum disease? Smoking can also make gum disease a great deal worse. A condition called nicotine stomatitis can occur which is an inflammation and swelling of the soft tissue of the gums and mouth as a result of the irritation that accompanies the constant assault of nicotine.

Do not take aspirin
The old wives tale about applying aspirin on aching sore gums is simply untrue. It is never wise to apply aspirin directly to your sore gums. Although you derive a temporary amount of relief from doing this, aspirin is a ssshighly caustic chemicalsss which means that it can irritate sensitive gum tissue very easily. It could then bring on a very serous acid burn. Do not chance it.

Be gentle with your mouth
Do not treat any part of your mouth roughly. While cleaning is very important, do not be too aggressive in your methods or you can irritate your gums, and cause receding gums to recede even quicker. Always use as soft a toothbrush as you can find and be aware that harsh brushing and flossing can give way to abrasions and ulcerations in the mouth. Plaque can be removed much easier with a soft toothbrush than with a hard brush because plaque is a soft substance.

Tea bags work great
Whenever your gums start to bleed, reach for a tea bag for relief and comfort. Tea is very effective at stopping bleeding. Place a wet tea bag over the portion of gum that is bleeding and hold it in place for a few minutes. A substance in tea called tannic acid will help the blood in that area to clot as quickly as possible.

Relinquish the brush until symptoms subside
If your gums are extremely red, swollen and raw it is wise to hold off on brushing for the time being as brushing can only make the problem worse. As a substitute for brushing, take a cotton swab and carefully dip it into three percent hydrogen peroxide and then gently dab it on the affected area. Hydrogen peroxide will be able to clean the area where your toothbrush normally would. It is recommended that you do this for anywhere from three to seven days and give your gums ample opportunity to heal. Healing is a very individual thing that varies depending on the person and the severity of the symptoms. It is fine for you to brush the back of your teeth but make sure the brush does not go anywhere near your gums.

Gum Disease and Bad Breath

It is an unfortunate reality that bad breath often accompanies gum disease and nobody likes to be around a person who has bad breath. The early stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis and its symptoms include red, swollen and puffy gums as opposed to pink gums that are firm and healthy. Bad breath is not generally a symptom of the onset of gum disease but is more common once it becomes a serious and chronic problem known as periodontal disease.

Gum disease can cause far worse problems then the often-embarrassing bad breath. Bone loss as well as loose teeth is the most serious results of advanced gum disease. In some cases the teeth cannot be saved and must be extracted by the dentist or else they will fall out on their own.

The number one enemy of gum disease in its early stages is plaque. Plaque is a form of soft sticky bacteria that is invisible that clings to the teeth and if not removed all of the time can causes a host of health issues. To put it as simply as possible, gum disease is an infection that occurs in the bone and the tissues that help to keep the teeth in place in the gums. Most often gum disease starts to grow and develop because too much plaque exists on the teeth. Plaque is composed of a certain amount of bacteria and these bacteria produce a number of toxins. The toxins serve to irritate and cause damage to the gums, teeth and even the bones.

It is important to emphasize that the mouth contains hundreds of varieties of bacteria that can wreak havoc on a consistent basis and that is why every individual is encouraged to brush their teeth after every meal and to floss every day before going to bed.

Many different things can contribute to the development of gingivitis such as smoking, oral contraceptives, diseases such as diabetes, chemotherapy and poor oral hygiene. Even an abundance of stress can change the composition of the mouth and can make the possibility of gum disease a reality. Stress can deplete the immune system of its ability to do its job properly and that is why learning to keep stress in check is important in many ways. It is important to visit your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis for professional cleanings and check ups. Regular brushing and flossing is also extremely important for exceptional oral health.

The bad breath of gingivitis can only be permanently helped by diagnosing gum disease and then taking steps to get rid of it. Individuals should always choose toothpastes and mouth rinses that contain fluoride because this substance is able to effectively prevent the decay of teeth and also contributes to the strengthening of teeth in general. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of bacteria that live and thrive in the mouth and the more that are kept under control the better it is for the oral health of the person. Take care of your oral health and it will in turn be good to you.


FAQS About Gum Disease (and the Answers You Need to Know) Part One

In order to be in the know you must ask questions. Read on for some frequently asked questions (FAQS) about gum disease and the relevant answers.

What is gum disease in general?
In general gum disease is an infection that occurs in the bone and the tissues that help to keep the teeth in position. Most often gum disease starts to develop as a result of too much plaque on the teeth. Plaque is defined as sssan invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums.sss Plaque is composed of a certain amount of bacteria and these bacteria produce a number of toxins. The toxins serve to irritate and cause damage to the gums that the teeth are nestled in.

What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis is gum disease in its mildest and most early form. When gingivitis sets in, the gums change from their natural healthy pink color to a redder shade and they then become swollen and develop the tendency to bleed with little provocation. This is a process that often happens gradually. At this stage there is generally very little pain and discomfort. Sometimes there is so little bleeding of the gums that the individual is not even aware that he or she has a problem with the teeth.

What is periodontitis?
Periodontitis is the name given to the more destructive, chronic and advanced form of gum disease that sets in if not diagnosed right away. In this stage, the gums become weaker and pockets form around the base of the affected teeth. These pockets are prime areas for bacteria to gather. At this stage, the gums are less able to fight off any type of bacteria or virus.

What happens if peridontitis is not caught?
As gum disease continues to spread in the mouth, it becomes more and more destructive to the teeth and gums. The deeper tissues of the gums sustain damage and in the most extreme cases, it spreads even further to the jawbone that helps to support the teeth and keep everything in the mouth in place. Teeth then loosen and fall out very easily because there is nothing to support them in the mouth. In some cases the teeth have to be extracted by a dentist.

Do a number of people suffer from gum disease? What do the statistics say?
Gum disease is not simply an sssold person's diseasesss. Studies show that approximately 15 percent of all adults between the ages of 21 and 50 years have some form of gum disease. For adults over the age of 50, the percentage is even higher - that of 30 percent. Among the general population, males are more likely to suffer from periodontitis than are females.

When it comes to teenagers, it is estimated that over half of all teenagers globally have one form or another of gum disease, with gingivitis being the most common form. Teenagers who smoke are more likely to develop gum disease than are non-smoking teenagers as are those who do not eat healthy foods on a regular basis.


FAQS About Gum Disease (and the Answers You Need to Know) Part Two

To become educated about gum disease you need to ask as many questions as possible. Read on for a series of frequently asked questions (FAQS) about this oral disease.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?
When gum disease is present gums can be red, puffy, swollen and very tender and sore. Gums can bleed very easily such as when they are brushed or flossed. Deep pockets can develop at the base of teeth, which can provide a place for bacteria to grow. Gum disease can lead to receding gums, loose or shifting teeth, and a bite that no longer fits together as comfortably or as well as it did before.

What are pockets at the base of the teeth?
At the edge of where the gum line starts, gum tissue that is healthy forms what amounts to a very sssshallow V-shaped groovesss called sulcus. This sulcus is located between the teeth and the gums. Sometimes they are also referred to as periodontal pockets or pockets. In a person with a healthy mouth and normal sulcus the depth is anywhere from one to three millimetres. In people who exhibit signs of gum disease, the sulcus causes deeper pockets to develop between the teeth and gums and they can then harbour bacteria from plaque that is difficult to get rid of with simple everyday brushing and flossing.

How many types of periodontal disease are there?
There are a variety of types. There is gingivitis which is the mildest form of the disease and there is aggressive periodontitis, chronic periodontitis, periodontitis that comes about due to systemic diseases and finally, necrotizing periodontal disease.

What is scaling and root planing (SRP)?
Scaling involves scraping the tartar from both above and below the gum line while root planing means to remove the rough spots on the roots of the teeth and to smooth the areas where germs can collect to wreak havoc with the teeth. This process also helps to adequately get rid of as much bacteria as possible that can contribute to more serious problems. Once the surface is clean and smooth gums can then begin the process of healing and reattaching to the teeth.

How can I best avoid gum disease?
The best way is to take extremely good care of your mouth, teeth and gums. Take care of your teeth as well as you take care of the rest of your body. Learn the proper way to brush your teeth and brush them at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal. Make sure that the bristles of your toothbrush are able to get under the gum line, as this is where bacteria start to develop. Floss your teeth once a day without fail. Make it a top priority. Those who are susceptible to gum disease should use an antiseptic mouthwash after they brush and floss their teeth. Buy a mouthwash that contains chlorhexidine gluconate or hydrogen peroxide and stay away from alcohol based mouthwashes. Regular exams at the dentist are important, as are professional cleanings with a qualified dental hygienist.


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