Info about Dentists
Gum Or Periodontal Disease
Even if your gums bleeds just a little while you brush your teeth, you probably have some kind of gum disease. If you have ever seen a Listerine commercial, you have had the word “gingivitis” pounded into your brain. This is a minor disease that is the first sign of a more serious disease called periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease is actually a group of progressive disorders affecting the gums and other supporting structures around the teeth, including the bone in which teeth are implanted. If untreated, deep pockets form between gum and tooth root, leading to loose teeth and eventually to bone damage.
• How it happens
In the first stage, the gums become irritated by plaque buildup. If plaque Is allowed to harden into tartar, gingivitis develops, and the tissue that holds the teeth to gums is destroyed. As the gums recede, deep pockets form between the gum and tooth root, in which plaque collects. If allowed to progress, the underlying bone is damaged, and the teeth may loosen and fall out or need to be extract
• Gigivitis Treatment
You can get rid of gigivitis yourself by giving your teeth a thorough flossing and brushing, and then by rinsing with a 2/3 water and 1/3 hydrogen peroxide solution. You may have to do this every day for a week, or so. You’ll notice that your gums stops bleeding when you brush. That’s when you know you’ve won. If you have more serious gum bleeding and pain, read on.
• Periodontal disease?
As food, saliva and bacteria that normally inhabit the mouth decompose, a sticky film called plaque forms and adheres to tooth surfaces, If it is not removed every day, plaque leads to gum irritation. As plaque hardens into tartar, also known as calculus, it becomes more difficult to remove and causes gum inflammation and pockets in which bacteria thrive. In time, these bacteria cause periodontal disease.
Early in the course of periodontal disease, a professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene may be all that is necessary. In later stages, antibiotics may be prescribed. Therapy also may involve scaling tooth roots or surgery to remove damaged tissue.
• What can you do?
Daily brushing and flossing is essential. A dentist may also recommend special mouth washes and gum massage. If the teeth are highly sensitive to hot and cold, a special fluoride gel may be recommended instead of regular toothpaste.
• What will the dentist do?
A dentist or dental hygienist cleans the teeth and removes the tartar that accumulates along and below the gum line. Depending on the stage of periodontal disease, the dentist may recommend the use of an antibacterial mouthwash, antibiotics, planning the tooth roots, or gingivectomy or curretage to remove soft tissue lining the pockets. In advanced cases, oral surgery may be needed to remove or reshape damaged bone.