Gum disease is not just about your oral health, but your overall health as well. The bacteria in your mouth are passed on through your body. There is a direct connection between your oral health and systemic health.
If you have firm healthy gums and it will keep your teeth longer and avoid health problems associated with gum disease.
Most people suffer from gum disease, and it is a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gum diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage and infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, bone anchoring the teeth in the jaw, gums and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed, making the teeth loose.
Our mouth is full of bacteria. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums and a sticky, colorless film of bacteria called plaque forms on the surface of the teeth every day. The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become as it provides the right conditions for bacteria to thrive. The bacteria irritate the gums, which mean that they bleed more easily.
Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends on how well you care for your teeth and gums, from this point forward.
If the disease progresses, the part of the gum that seals the tooth is weakened and gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces between the tooth. Bacteria or food debris become trapped in these spaces and grow below the gums causing further infection (redness and swelling). These bacterial toxins start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place.
To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth by daily brushing and flossing, and by professional cleanings at least twice a year by a dentist.
Severe gum disease may also be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes, infective endocarditis, bacterial pneumonia and stroke.
Having a healthy mouth and gums can help improve your general health and reduce the stress of medical treatment.
Treatment methods depend upon the stage of disease, how far the condition has progressed and your overall health.
It is also possible to have gum disease and with no warning signs, that is why regular dental checkups are very important.
The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good oral care at home.
We may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, reducing stress and maintaining a well-balanced diet as a way to improve treatment outcome.
Gum disease is a sign of serious oral health issues in the near future.
The main goal of treatment is to control the infection and progression of the disease and to promote reattachment of healthy gums to teeth.
See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease. The sooner you treat it the better; early intervention to treat gum diseases can ensure the health and longevity of your teeth.
