How to Prevent Gum Disease
by Patricia Woloch
Over 75% of Americans aged 35 or more have some form of gum disease. That little bit of bleeding you sometimes see in the sink may be a warning sign that gum disease is taking hold in your mouth. If that's a scary proposition for you, you've got to start taking better care of your gums.
The mouth contains millions of bacteria; some harmless, some not. The harmless bacteria gang up on your teeth and gums in the form of pla
que, a colorless sticky film that causes gum disease. Left untreated, plaque builds up on your teeth, forming a substance called tartar, which becomes so 'stuck' to your teeth that only a professional cleaning can remove it. The tartar has tiny sharp edges and irritates your gums and before you know it, you're seeing blood in the sink when you brush. But what you can't see is the slow destruction of your tooth-gum connection - those tiny pockets which slowly expand as the bacteria multiply and fill them.
Stages of gum disease
Gingivitis (mild) and periodontitis (severe) are the two main stages of gum disease. Although gingivitis comes before periodontitis, not all gingivitis becomes periodontitis. However, left untreated, it will progress to periodontitis. The inner layer of the gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets of debris and bacteria. As your body's own defense system fights this infection, the gums begin to break down, deepening the pockets, destroying more tooth and gum. Eventually, the decay and infection reach the jawbone. Then the tooth-root-to-bone connection weakens, teeth loosen, and they'll eventually fall out. By then you won't be suffering from toothache, because the tooth's nerve will have died. For a while you might have no pain. But you'll be feeling pain in the bone and gums eventually.
But there is good news! Gum disease is preventable with thorough attention to everyday brushing and flossing and professional cleanings every six months. Even if you haven't seen the signs of gingivitis yet, don't hesitate to start increasing your oral hygiene routine so you can enjoy your teeth for a lifetime.
Warning Signs of Gingivitis and Periodontitis
· Gums bleed during/after brushing
· Gums are red, swollen or tender
· Persistent bad breath
· Bad taste in the mouth
· Gums seem to be receding
· Deep pockets of soft tissue form between teeth and gums
· Your teeth are loose or shifting
· Your teeth and partial dentures no longer fit together properly
A dentist like Dr. Michael Iott in Manhattan, NY, who specializes in gum disease, can diagnose and treat your gingivitis and periodontitis. His website has photos of procedures and technology he will use during your comprehensive first visit. He will check your gums for bleeding, swelling, and firmness, and your teeth are for movement and sensitivity. It's likely he will take a full set of X-rays and use periodontal probing to assess how far the gums surrounding your teeth have detached themselves from the teeth.
What can you start doing right now?
1. Stop Smoking! Tobacco use is a highly significant risk factor associated with gum disease. People who smoke are seven times more likely to get gum disease than nonsmokers.
2. Discuss hormonal changes with your physician. They may make sensitive gums more sensitive and promote the beginnings of gingivitis.
3. De-Stress! Stress makes it harder for your body to heal and fight off infection.
4. Discuss any unnecessary medications or dosage levels with your family physicians. Medications can affect oral health by lessening the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums. Some drugs cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
5. Eat well! Poor nutrition weakens the immune system. Sugars and other sweet foods increase the mouth's acidity, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
6. Avoid illness! Illnesses may affect your gums, including cancer or diseases like AIDS that interfere with your immune system.
7. Talk to your dentist about teeth clenching! Clenching and grinding teeth put excessive force on the teeth's surfaces, wearing them down prematurely. They also stress the supporting structures, namely the gums, jawbone, jaw joints, jaw muscles, and nerves in the area.
Prevention is always better than cure. So take care of yourself on a daily basis, and your dental woes will be vastly reduced.
About the Author
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry to make your smile brighter, contact the experienced cosmetic dentists of Dr. Michael Iott & Associates today to schedule your consultation.