Gum
Disease
 Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults.
Here are some questions and answers that will better help you understand gum disease: What is periodontal (gum) disease? Periodontal disease or gum disease, a chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and surrounding tissue, is the major cause of about 70 percent of adult tooth loss, affecting three out of four persons. What causes periodontal disease?  Bacterial plaque a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms
on the teeth is recognized as the primary cause of periodontal disease. If
plaque isn't removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a
rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar).Toxins
(poisons) produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums.
These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly
to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets which fill with even more
toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets extend deeper and
the bacteria move down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is
destroyed. The tooth eventually will fall out or require
removal.Are there other factors?  Yes. Genetics is also a factor, as are lifestyle choices. A diet
low in nutrients can diminish the body's ability to fight infection.
Smokers and spit tobacco users have more irritation to gum tissues than
those who don't, while stress can also affect the ability to ward off
disease. Diseases that interfere with the body's immune system, such as
leukemia and AIDS, may worsen the condition of the gums.In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, where the body is more prone to infection, gum disease is more severe or harder to control. What are the warning signs of periodontal disease?  Signs include red, swollen or tender gums, bleeding while
brushing or flossing, gums that pull away from teeth, loose or separating
teeth, pus between the gum and tooth, persistent bad breath, change in the
way teeth fit together when the patient bites, and a change in the fit of
partial dentures. While patients are advised to check for the warning
signs, there might not be any discomfort until the disease has spread to a
point where the tooth is unsalvagable. That's why patients are advised to
get frequent dental exams.What does periodontal treatment involve? In the early stages, most treatment involves scaling and root planing-removing plaque and calculus around the tooth and smoothing the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planing. In most cases of early gum disease, called gingivitis, scaling and root planing and proper daily cleaning achieve a satisfactory result. More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums, and removing the hardened plaque build-up and recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure is also designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean. I've been told that in gum surgery, they just gut your gums away, leaving the teeth looking long? Gum disease often results in the recession of the gums, causing the teeth to look longer. In the past, the cutting away of the gums, called gingivectomy, also made the teeth look longer. Newer techniques have been developed that require less removal of tissue and superior results. How do you prevent periodontal disease? Removing plaque through daily brushing, flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. Is maintenance important? Patients should visit the dentist every 3-4 months (or more, depending on the patient) for spot scaling and root planing and an overall exam. In between visits, they should brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and brush their tongue. Manual soft nylon bristle brushes are the most dependable and least expensive. Brushing and flossing technique
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