Gum Disease: What It Is And How To Prevent It

Most adults have at least some degree of gum disease, usually very mild so you wouldn't notice, however it can become more serious if dental hygiene is neglected. There are two main forms of gum disease; these are gingivitis and periodontal disease.

The more serious of the two is periodontal disease. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, sore gums, and bleeding of the gums commonly during brushing. It is caused by bacteria in plaque on the teeth; the bacteria produce a toxin which is an irritant to the gums, the periodontal ligament (which is a piece of connective tissue that anchors the teeth to the jaw) and the jaw. This irritant is what causes gum disease to form. Untreated gingivitis can evolve into acute ulcerative gingivitis, also known as Vincent's disease and periodontal disease can also start as gingivitis. Acute ulcerative gingivitis is extremely painful as it causes the gums to become infected and it is essential to see you dental specialist, who will prescribe anti-biotics to control the infection.

Periodontal disease is more serious as it can lead to the teeth becoming loose and falling out. It has the same starting symptoms as gingivitis, except that with periodontal disease, the periodontal ligament has also been affected by the gum disease. It can be difficult to spot periodontal disease so it is important to see a specialist regularly. Treatment for periodontal disease can be uncomfortable and may require your teeth be cleaned professionally by your specialist up to every two months. It may also lead to dental surgery, which would involve the specialistt removing infected cementum (cementum is a special bone substance covering the root of the teeth) this would usually be performed under local anesthetic.

Gum disease can usually be prevented with relative ease by practicing good oral hygiene, and mild gingivitis can be treated simply by brushing teeth twice daily with toothpaste which has fluoride in it, flossing between the teeth, and using an anti bacterial mouthwash after brushing. Visiting your dental specialist at least once a year is also key in preventing gum disease from forming.

A dental specialist can clean the teeth and remove hardened plaque, also called calculus, which it is unlikely you could do alone. Your specialist will also be able to pick up on problems much faster than you would alone, and be able to tell you how to combat future problems.

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