24/Sep/2007
Advertisements for dental care products are everywhere these days, and they have introduced many Americans to the term “gingivitis.”
What the advertisements don’t always say is that gingivitis is the beginning stage of a serious dental condition known as periodontal disease. Studies show 90 to 95 percent of the population has some state of gingivitis or periodontal disease. More than half of Americans over age 35 are already in the early stages of periodontal disease.
Gingivitis generally refers to the inflammation of the gums, and ranges in classification from mild to severe. Gingivitis is associated with redness, swelling, bleeding, and tenderness of the gums. Periodontal disease is an infection involving the structures surrounding the tooth, which consists of your gums and the bone surrounding the teeth.
A very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus exists between the tooth and gums. Periodontal disease attacks teeth in the sulcus just below the gum line causing a break down in the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues. As tissue damage occurs, the sulcus develops into a pocket. As a rule, as the disease increases in severity, so does the depth of the pocket.
Bad breath, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and red, puffy gums are all indicators of gingivitis or periodontal disease. It is the leading cause of tooth loss over the age of 35 and it is directly linked to more serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Un-removed plaque hardens on the teeth forming tartar. The latest research shows that 92 percent of us have plaque buildup on our teeth with 3 out of 4 people having plaque between their teeth where it causes the most damage. As plaque builds up the gums will recede or pull away from the teeth creating pockets between the teeth and gums. As the severity of the disease increases further destruction of the bone and periodontal ligaments supporting the teeth occurs. This may lead to tooth loss.
Although regular trips to the dentist and proper oral hygiene at home will help to prevent periodontal disease, there are several factors which can increase your risk of developing the disease, such as: tobacco smoking or chewing, systemic diseases such as diabetes, some medications such as steroids, some anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives, bridges that no longer fit properly, crooked teeth, fillings that have become defective, and pregnancy.
Frequent visits to your dentist enable him or her to evaluate your risk as well as identify early warning signs of periodontal disease. Some of the early signs your dentist looks for are: gums that bleed easily; have pulled away from the teeth or are red, swollen or tender; persistent bad breath or taste; permanent teeth that have become loose or are separating; and any changes to the way your teeth fit together when you bite. However, it is possible to have periodontal disease without warning signs. This makes regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations vital. Treatment has progressed dramatically over the years and early detection is important in preventing the spread of the disease.
You don’t have to lose teeth from periodontal
disease. Practice good dental hygiene at home through brushing and flossing
three times a day, eat a well balanced diet, and see your dentist regularly. If
you suspect that you are affected by periodontal disease, comprehensive
examinations and treatment are available in Zachary. By working together you
and your dentist can stop this serious disease.
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