Gum Disease

What is Gum Disease
?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect
the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the
bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on
your teeth. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque
can build up and the bacteria infect not only your gums and teeth, but
eventually the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth. This can
cause them to become loose, fall out or have to be removed by a dentist.

There are three stages of gum disease:

Gingivitis: this is the earliest
stage of gum disease, an inflammation of the gums caused by plaque
buildup at the gumline. If daily brushing and flossing do not remove
the plaque, it produces toxins (poisons) that can irritate the gum
tissue, causing gingivitis. You may notice some bleeding during
brushing and flossing. At this early stage in gum disease, damage can
be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth
in place are not yet affected.
Periodontitis: at this stage,
the supporting bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place are
irreversibly damaged. Your gums may begin to form a pocket below the
gumline, which traps food and plaque. Proper dental treatment and
improved home care can usually help prevent further damage.
Advanced Periodontitis: in this
final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth
are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can
affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth
may need to be removed.

How do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease can occur at any age, but it is most common among adults.
If detected in its early stages, gum disease can be reversed so see
your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:



Gums that are red, puffy or swollen, or tender
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
Teeth that look longer because your gums have receded
Gums that have separated, or pulled away, from your teeth, creating a pocket
Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Pus coming from between your teeth and gums
Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

How is Gum Disease Treated?


The early stages of gum disease can often be reversed with proper
brushing and flossing. Good oral health will help keep plaque from
building up.
A professional cleaning by your dentist or hygienist is the only way to
remove plaque that has built up and hardened into tartar. Your dentist
or hygienist will clean or "scale" your teeth to remove the tartar
above and below the gumline. If your condition is more severe, a root
planing procedure may be performed. Root planing helps to smooth
irregularities on the roots of the teeth making it more difficult for
plaque to deposit there.

By scheduling regular checkups, early stage gum disease can be treated
before it leads to a much more serious condition. If your condition is
more advanced, treatment in the dental office will be required
.


[ندعوك للتسجيل في المنتدى أو التعريف بنفسك لمعاينة هذه الصورة]
Healthy Gums - healthy gums are firm and don't bleed. They fit snugly around the teeth.

[ندعوك للتسجيل في المنتدى أو التعريف بنفسك لمعاينة هذه الصورة]
Gingivitis - gums are mildly inflamed, may appear red or swollen and may bleed during brushing.

[ندعوك للتسجيل في المنتدى أو التعريف بنفسك لمعاينة هذه الصورة]
Periodontitis - gums begin to separate and recede from the teeth. This
allows plaque to move toward the roots, supporting fibers and bone

[ندعوك للتسجيل في المنتدى أو التعريف بنفسك لمعاينة هذه الصورة]
Advanced Periodontitis - supporting fibers and bone are destroyed. Teeth become loose and may need to be removed.