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Gum disease doesn't just happen to your grandparents, it can happen to anyone. If you have been told that you have periodontal disease, you are not alone. Many adults in the U.S. currently have some form of gum disease. Periodontal disease ranges from simple gum inflammation to a serious disease that can result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In worst case scenarios, teeth are lost. Nearly 80 percent of adults have periodontal disease during their lifetime. The leading cause of tooth loss for people in the United States is not old age, as many often think. Rather, the leading cause of tooth loss is periodontal disease, otherwise known as gum disease. Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this moment forward. Begin Prevention at Home Our mouths are full of bacteria, which constantly form a sticky, colorless plaque on your teeth. Brushing and flossing help rid your mouth of plaque, but when plaque is not removed it can harden, forming a tartar that brushing doesn't clean. Only a cleaning from your dentist in Jacksonville can remove the tartar. Regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and detect early signs of periodontal disease, but you play an important role in preventing tartar from forming. Some simple measures you can take to keep your teeth healthy include: • Brush your teeth twice a day
• Floss every day
• Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
• Do not smoke
• Eat right The most important way to prevent gingivitis and later stages of gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene. Choosing the right toothbrush is also important for gum disease prevention. Softer brushes are less likely to injure your gums, and electric toothbrushes often seem to encourage better brushing habits. Remember not to overdo because brushing too long or too hard can do more harm than good. Gingivitis and Gum Disease: What is the difference? Beginning symptoms of gum disease are usually painless, so many who are at risk do not always recognize the signs and stages. The early stages are known as gingivitis. Gum disease is a silent teeth killer because you can have it without even knowing. Healthy gums appear to be coral pink, firm and form a sharp point where they meet the tooth. When excessive amounts of bacteria and food debris buildup in the spaces between the teeth and gums, a sticky material called plaque is formed. Bacterial byproducts in the tartar that develops from bacterial buildup cause the gums to become infected, red and tender, which is a condition called gingivitis (the beginning stage of periodontal disease). If you do not receive professional cleaning to halt the spread of gingivitis, the infection will spread from the gums to the ligaments and bone supporting the teeth. Dentists treat gingivitis by cleaning your teeth to remove plaque and tartar, as well as prescribing special mouthwashes or topical treatments while treatment for gum disease involves more serious action. Treatment for gum disease may include antibiotics and antimicrobials, deep scaling of the root surface, removing infected gum tissue or extracting teeth. To avoid these potentially painful symptoms and treatments, it is important to catch the disease in its earlier stages. Contact your dentist in Jacksonville immediately if you are exhibiting signs of gum disease. It is important to catch gum disease early, in order to treat and prevent worsening of symptoms. Keep your teeth and gums healthy by taking proper prevention steps.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Siamac Mashod, leading gentle dentist in Jacksonville. Dr. Mashod received his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He also maintains memberships in several prestigious associations including the American Dental Association. Offering services in teeth whitening, veneers and implants in Jacksonville, Dr. Mashod is committed to providing patients with the best quality care.
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