Common Gum Disease Questions

Gum disease is not something most people want to talk about in polite conversation but it is with us daily. Millions of people are diagnosed with gum disease and have to deal with it on a daily basis. The threat of coming down with gum disease is something everyone on this Earth holds in common.

It is constantly there waiting to strike and you have to take a proactive approach when dealing with this dental problem. You have heard dentists' talk about it for years. You have heard of its potential problems at dental check-ups but do you actually know what the disease is and how you can take care of the problem. If you are not aware of gum disease or simply want to know more about it, this article is for you.

What is gum disease?

Gum disease is called periodontal disease and it affects the gum line. Its symptoms include red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or floss. It is a condition that one should take seriously because it can lead to further devastating effects on the teeth and gum line such as a loss of bone structure in the mouth and teeth that crumble and crack. Most cases of gum disease are the direct result of not caring for the mouth properly. This includes flossing, brushing your teeth and getting enough calcium in your diet. There are many forms of periodontal, or gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

How is gum disease caused?

The main cause of gum disease is plaque build-up but there are other factors that can play a huge significance in whether or not you will have gum disease. Stress and grinding the teeth can lead to gum disease as well as obesity, pregnancy and smoking or tobacco use. Genetics also play a factor in whether or not you will have gum disease in your lifetime. As you can see there are many factors that come into play with gum disease. No one can say for sure if you will develop periodontal disease. It just depends on genetics and your lifestyle. It is known that a diet that is rich in nutrients and calcium will help increase your chances of having healthy teeth and gums.

How is gum disease treated?

Gum disease is treated in two different ways: non-invasive techniques and invasive techniques. Non-invasive techniques include root planing, plaque removal and scaling. These techniques are often successful with the right treatment plan. It does require constant monitoring and repeated visits to achieve the right gum health. Invasive, or surgical, procedures often require the doctor to go into the root pocket and eliminate the bacteria by scraping it out. It may also require soft tissue grafts to cover the already damaged areas.

What are the effects of gum disease?

The effects of gum disease may be more than not having pretty teeth. The bacteria that cause gum disease can reach other parts of the body if left untreated. If left untreated you can expect a host of other problems to arise such as tooth instability, the root of the tooth becoming infected and loss of teeth.

What are the types of gum disease?

There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the less harmful of the two. It is where the gums are swollen and bleed after brushing or flossing. Periodontitis on the other hand can lead to severe repercussions if not handled in time or correctly. There are several different forms of periodontitis that range from aggressive periodontitis to necrotizing periodontal disease. Aggressive periodontitis is when the there is bone detachment and the tooth is actually in danger of falling out. Necrotizing periodontal disease is when the tissue of the gums actually begins to necrotize. It can go completely down to the bone structure of the jaw if left untreated. Usually this form of periodontal disease is found in HIV patients and patients that have something wrong with their immune system.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

There are several warning signs of periodontal disease. If you have chronic bad breath, have gum sensitivity, bleeding gums or notice that your teeth are appearing longer this is a sign that the gums have become inflamed and/or have began to shrink back. You should also pay attention to your bite. If your teeth are no longer aligning as they once did you need to see a dentist as soon as possible. It is better to catch the disease early before significant damage occurs to the tooth bed and your teeth wind up deteriorating.

What can I do to prevent gum disease?

You can prevent periodontal (gum) disease by brushing your teeth properly and flossing. You should also schedule regular visits with your dentist for routine cleaning and examination. Other factors such as a diet rich in nutrients and calcium can help prevent periodontal disease. You should definitely cut out tobacco use and limit your intake of products that contain a lot of sugar. Dentists are now advising that chewing some forms of gum are actually helpful in eliminating harmful bacteria from your teeth.

What happens if I ignore my gum disease?

If you ignore your gum disease there are several possible things that could happen. The first one is that you could lose your teeth completely. If the gums deteriorate then the root of the tooth has nothing to hold on too. Tooth loss is not a symptom of aging. It is a symptom of poor dental health. Even worse than tooth loss and bone decay, the bacteria present in the infection can enter the bloodstream and cause infections in other parts of the body. You absolutely cannot ignore periodontal disease.

How can I protect my teeth?

You can protect your teeth by having a diet rich in nutrients, avoiding sugary substances, brushing your teeth regularly and flossing. You can also protect your teeth by visiting a dentist on a regular basis to check for any signs of gum disease. You are the most important part of protecting your teeth. You have to be aware of the signs of periodontal disease and know what to do when you think you have it.

Is it true that people who have gum disease do not brush their teeth?

That is a fallacy or rather a partial fallacy. Thirty percent of the world will develop periodontal disease due to genetics and other factors such as diabetes and certain medications. Not brushing your teeth properly or regularly can result in gum disease. It is important to use the right firmness of toothbrush, the right toothpaste and a regular brushing and flossing program to help prevent gum disease.

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