Post by braided-rug on Jun 11, 2007 12:47:05 GMT 10
Gum Disease Part I: Frequently Asked Questions
By Dion Kramer
What is Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)?
Gum diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of gum disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious destructive forms of gum disease called periodontitis.
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss today. Anyone at any age is susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If the plaque is not removed on a daily basis it will form tartar (also called calculus) which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause gum disease. The reason you loose teeth from gum disease is because this disease attacks the gums as well as the bone which are the foundation in which your teeth rest. Your teeth become loose and eventually fall out as the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth.
How does gum disease get started?
Gum disease begins when plaque adheres at and below the visible edge of your gums. If plaque is not removed every day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar promotes a bacterial infection at the point of attachment. In these early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis.
Your gums may be a bit red but you may not notice anything. As gingivitis gets more serious, tiny pockets of infection form. Your gums may be puffy and may bleed a little when you brush but it is not painful. Over time, the infection destroys the gum tissue. Eventually, you may be at risk of losing one or more teeth.
What are the signs of gum disease?
See your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following signs of gum disease:
• gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• red, swollen or tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• bad breath that doesn't go away
• pus between your teeth and gums
• loose teeth
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• a change in the fit of partial dentures
It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.
Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What are some factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease?
• Tobacco smoking or tobacco chewing
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Crooked teeth
• Fillings that have become defective
• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
Is there a link between gum disease and other health concerns?
The link between poor oral hygiene and poor overall health is well documented. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body and disease and infection can enter via the mouth. The oral bacteria found in patients with gum disease can enter into the blood stream. From here the bacteria can travel throughout the body. Inflammation sets in but the body's immune response sometime falls short. These bacterial colonies can cause serious problems such as:
• Weakened immune systems that can slow wound healing and diminish a person's response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines.
• Lung Infections in people with chronic lung diseases.
• Stroke - a new study of fatty deposits lodged in carotid arteries of stroke sufferers shows that 70% contain bacteria and 40% of that bacteria comes from the mouth.
• Heart Disease - Studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with gum disease. Bacteria get mixed up with blood-clotting cells called platelets forming a clump that travels through the blood vessels. These clumps of cells and bacteria irritate vessel walls and may promote formation of heart stopping blood clots. The inflammation also produces a protein that can irritate the interior of blood vessels creating sites where fatty deposits can form.
• Infective Endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease in which the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed.
• Diabetes - Studies have shown that diabetics with gum disease were three times more likely to have heart attacks than those without gum disease.
• Spontaneous pre-term births - women with gum disease are 7 to 8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to low-birth-weight babies. Researchers believe that the low-grade infection causes damaged cells to release inflammation causing substances that have been linked with pre-term births.
Gum Disease Part II: Frequently Asked Questions looks into the prevention of gum disease and dealing with gum disease.
By Dion Kramer
Dion Kramer is co-founder and managing director of NobleDentist. NobleDentist is a dental plan for the people of Australia. Dion Kramer collaborates with a NobleDentist so that his writings are topical and up-to-date. You can visit the website to learn more about NobleDentist and each Noble Dentist www.nobledentist.com.au
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dion_Kramer
By Dion Kramer
What is Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)?
Gum diseases are classified according to the severity of the disease. The two major stages are gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of gum disease that only affects the gums. Gingivitis may lead to more serious destructive forms of gum disease called periodontitis.
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss today. Anyone at any age is susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease is caused by plaque. If the plaque is not removed on a daily basis it will form tartar (also called calculus) which is the breeding ground for the germs which cause gum disease. The reason you loose teeth from gum disease is because this disease attacks the gums as well as the bone which are the foundation in which your teeth rest. Your teeth become loose and eventually fall out as the bone literally dissolves away from around your teeth.
How does gum disease get started?
Gum disease begins when plaque adheres at and below the visible edge of your gums. If plaque is not removed every day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar. Tartar promotes a bacterial infection at the point of attachment. In these early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis.
Your gums may be a bit red but you may not notice anything. As gingivitis gets more serious, tiny pockets of infection form. Your gums may be puffy and may bleed a little when you brush but it is not painful. Over time, the infection destroys the gum tissue. Eventually, you may be at risk of losing one or more teeth.
What are the signs of gum disease?
See your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following signs of gum disease:
• gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• red, swollen or tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• bad breath that doesn't go away
• pus between your teeth and gums
• loose teeth
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• a change in the fit of partial dentures
It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed.
Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep gum disease from becoming more serious or recurring. You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
What are some factors that increase the risk of developing gum disease?
• Tobacco smoking or tobacco chewing
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes
• Some types of medication such as steroids, some types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives
• Bridges that no longer fit properly
• Crooked teeth
• Fillings that have become defective
• Pregnancy or use of oral contraceptives
Is there a link between gum disease and other health concerns?
The link between poor oral hygiene and poor overall health is well documented. The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body and disease and infection can enter via the mouth. The oral bacteria found in patients with gum disease can enter into the blood stream. From here the bacteria can travel throughout the body. Inflammation sets in but the body's immune response sometime falls short. These bacterial colonies can cause serious problems such as:
• Weakened immune systems that can slow wound healing and diminish a person's response to hepatitis B and flu vaccines.
• Lung Infections in people with chronic lung diseases.
• Stroke - a new study of fatty deposits lodged in carotid arteries of stroke sufferers shows that 70% contain bacteria and 40% of that bacteria comes from the mouth.
• Heart Disease - Studies have found the incidence of heart disease is about twice as high in people with gum disease. Bacteria get mixed up with blood-clotting cells called platelets forming a clump that travels through the blood vessels. These clumps of cells and bacteria irritate vessel walls and may promote formation of heart stopping blood clots. The inflammation also produces a protein that can irritate the interior of blood vessels creating sites where fatty deposits can form.
• Infective Endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease in which the inner lining of the heart becomes inflamed.
• Diabetes - Studies have shown that diabetics with gum disease were three times more likely to have heart attacks than those without gum disease.
• Spontaneous pre-term births - women with gum disease are 7 to 8 times more likely to give birth prematurely to low-birth-weight babies. Researchers believe that the low-grade infection causes damaged cells to release inflammation causing substances that have been linked with pre-term births.
Gum Disease Part II: Frequently Asked Questions looks into the prevention of gum disease and dealing with gum disease.
By Dion Kramer
Dion Kramer is co-founder and managing director of NobleDentist. NobleDentist is a dental plan for the people of Australia. Dion Kramer collaborates with a NobleDentist so that his writings are topical and up-to-date. You can visit the website to learn more about NobleDentist and each Noble Dentist www.nobledentist.com.au
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dion_Kramer