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 What
is gum disease?
 Gum disease describes
swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth.
There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontal
disease.
What is gingivitis?
Gingivitis means inflammation
of the gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very red
and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during
cleaning.
What is periodontal
disease?
Long-standing gingivitis
can turn into periodontal disease. There are a number of types of
periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues supporting the
teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone anchoring the teeth in the
jaw is lost, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth
may eventually fall out.
Am I likely to suffer
from gum disease?
Probably. Most people
suffer from some form of gum disease, and it is the major cause of
tooth loss in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in
most people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow
you to keep most of your teeth for life.
What is the cause of
gum disease?
All gum disease is
caused by plaque. Plaque is a film of bacteria which forms on the
surface of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque
are completely harmless, but there are some that have been shown to
be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease,
you need to make sure you remove all the plaque from your teeth every
day. This is done by brushing and flossing.
How will smoking affect
my gums and teeth?
Smoking can also lead
to gum disease. Patients who smoke are more likely to produce bacterial
plaque, which leads to gum disease. The gums are affected because
smoking causes a lack of oxygen in the bloodstream, so the infected
gums fail to heal. Smoking causes people to have more dental plaque
and for gum disease to progress more rapidly than in non-smokers.
Gum disease still remains the most common cause of tooth loss in adults.
What happens if gum
disease is not treated?
Unfortunately, gum
disease progresses painlessly on the whole so that you do notice the
damage it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active
and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses, and
pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of years, the bone
supporting the teeth can be lost. If the disease is left untreated
for a long time, treatment can become more difficult.
How do I know if I
have gum disease?
The first sign is blood
on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth.
Your gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad taste
in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.
What do I do if I think
I have gum disease?
The first thing to
do is visit your dentist for a thorough check-up of your teeth and
gums. The dentist can measure the ‘cuff’ of gum around
each tooth to see if there is any sign that periodontal disease has
started. X-rays may also be needed to see the amount of bone that
has been lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment
can be prescribed for you.
What treatments are
needed?
Your dentist will usually
give your teeth a thorough clean. You’ll also be shown how to
remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all surfaces of your
teeth thoroughly and effectively. This may take a number of sessions
with the dentist or hygienist.
What else may be needed?
Once your teeth are
clean, your dentist may decide to carry out further cleaning of the
roots of the teeth, to make sure that the last pockets of bacteria
are removed. You’ll probably need the treatment area to be numbered
before anything is done. Afterwards, you may feel some discomfort
for up to 48 hours.
Once I have had periodontal
disease, can I get it again?
The periodontal diseases
are never cured. But as long as you keep up the home care you have
been taught, any further loss of bone will be very slow and it may
stop altogether. However, you must make sure you remove plaque every
day, and go for regular check ups by the dentist and hygienist. |
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