1 post tagged “: gum diseases”

Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue, it is a serious condition that starts as gingivitis and can progress to periodontitis. According to the British Dental Health Foundation "19 out of 20 people suffer from gum disease (gingivitis) at some point in their life making it the most common disease in the world. During a typical checkup your dentist or dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline of all your teeth.

Gum Disease is caused by a build up of plaque on the teeth. Plaque is that disgusting, yellow stuff on your teeth that is full of bacteria. It is essential that you floss and brush your teeth everyday to remove the plaque. Besides plaque, your lifestyle can cause gum disease. Your body's immunity system must be strong. Exercising throughout the day and eating healthy is the best way to keep your immunity strong. But if you are unable to exercise throughout the day and a healthier menu is not available to you, you should try to stay away from sugars and starches.

Gingivitis is an infection of the gums. As a result of the infection, the gums become red, inflamed and can bleed during brushing. It is a mild form of gum disease that does not include any loss of the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. Gingivitis can usually be reversed with regular brushing and flossing.

In gingivitis, the gums become red and swollen. They can bleed easily. Most people can reverse this with daily brushing and flossing and seeing their dentist regularly. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis. The gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets that are infected. If not treated, the bones, gums and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.

Gingivitis is the first sign that something is wrong with your gums. If it is not treated it can progress to a more destructive type of gum disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection of the tissues that help anchor the teeth. The infection can lead to loss of the bone that holds the tooth in its socket and might lead to tooth loss.

This leads to weakening of the gums, which hold the teeth in their place to give us strength for mastication. The gums then give pockets of areas which the bacteria hold sway in multiplying and further exposing the roots of the teeth leading to loosening and bone degeneration which is termed as periodontitis.

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) that is not treated promptly or that does not respond to treatment can progress to periodontitis. Periodontitis requires prompt treatment to get rid of the infection and stop damage to the teeth and gums, followed by long-term care to maintain the health of your mouth.

Your dentist or dental hygienist will remove the plaque and tartar both above and below your gum line. This procedure, called root planing and scaling, makes it harder for plaque to stick to the teeth. Your dentist may give you antibiotics to kill bacteria and stop the infection. They may be applied directly on the gums, swallowed as pills or capsules, or inserted into the pockets in your gums.