Is Gum Disease Beyond Your Innocence? Take Note!
Jun 02, 2008 in General, Health
It is urgent to know what periodontal or gum disease is. It should be learned that this dental problem is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth and also characterized when the gum tissue is not attached to the teeth as high as it may seem. There is a very shallow v-shaped crevice called a sulcus between the tooth and gums. Periodontal diseases attack just below the gum line in the sulcus, where they cause the attachment of the tooth and its supporting tissues to break down. As the tissues are damaged, the sulcus develops into a pocket: generally, the more severe the disease, the greater the depth of the pocket. Gum disease has two major stages - gingivitis (milder and reversible form that only affects the gums) and periodontitis (more serious, destructive form).
Factors increasing the risk of developing periodontal disease include: tobacco smoking or chewing, systemic diseases such as diabetes, some types of medication (steroids, some types of 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 or use of oral contraceptives.
Warning signs that can signal periodontal disease include:
1) gums that bleed easily
2) red, swollen, tender gums
3) gums that have pulled away from the teeth
4) persistent bad breath or bad taste
5) permanent teeth that are loose or separating
6) any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
7) any change in the fit of partial dentures
Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth because of gum disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits to achieve maximum oral health care.



