Archive for August, 2009

Definition- Gum disease also known as Periodontitis refers to infection in the area in and around teeth specifically the tissue and bone. The main cause of infection is bacteria found in the tartar and plaque build-up caused by a lack of oral hygiene. Large amounts of toxins are found in the bacteria, having an irritating affect on sensitive tissue.

Targets- No person or even animal is exempted from getting gum disease. However some persons are more susceptible to the condition. Teen females are the first target group identified by researchers and medical professionals. This can be attributed to hormonal activity during the puberty phase making the body more susceptible to bacterial attacks. Smokers fall in the second target group, suffering more from this condition than non-smokers. Your risk for getting gum problems is also greater when you suffer from certain illnesses, take specific medication and wear braces.

Symptoms- You will certainly know if you suffer from gum disease as the condition is very painful and clearly visible in the from of bleeding gums during and after flossing or brushing teeth and gums, gums are unhealthy in colour, sensitive or swollen, gums will pull away from teeth, breath will be very unpleasant and teeth loose or falling out.

Preventing-Keep in mind that prevention is better than cure. Prevention in terms of the disease is so very easy. Proper oral hygiene is the one and only requirement. Teeth should be brushed and flossed regularly, in other words twice per day or after sugary and acidic food or drink consumption, if possible. Floss will reach the impossible to access spaces between teeth, where normal bushing won’t reach.

Treatment- Treatment will be dependant upon the severity of the disease. scaling and root planing are popular methods of both treatment and prevention as tartar and plaque is removed to cure present infection as well as to prevent further or future infection. Antibiotics are very popular in the treatment of gum diseases, taking the form of mouthwashes, gels, fibres or capsules. In extremely severe periodontitis, surgery and gingival grafting should be considered for cleaning infected area.

Author: Scott W.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise, diagnose or treat any health condition. If you have or think you might have a health problem, including but not limited to dental health, visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Definition- Gum disease refers to infection in the bone and tissue area surrounding the teeth, usually caused by bacteria contained in the food and plaque build-up on the teeth and gums. The plaque produces toxins that have a painful and irritating effect on the sensitive tissue. The plaque will harden over time and form calculus also known as tartar.

Whose at risk? Anybody and everybody is at risk of developing gum disease. However studies have identified teens specifically females as being more at risk. This can be attributed to over-active hormones during puberty making gums more susceptible to irritation. Smokers will also suffer more from gum disease than non-smokers. Medication, medical conditions as well as brace wearers fall in the high risk group.

Symptoms- Common symptoms of gym disease are gum bleeding during and after flossing or brushing teeth, gums are tender or swollen, gums pulling away from teeth, unpleasant breath and loose teeth.

Preventing-Remember that prevention is always better than cure. The only way to prevent gum disease to always maintain the highest degree of oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day as well as after consuming sugary and acid food or beverages. Flossing is just as important as brushing as all the impossible to reach, in between spaces are cleaned with the floss.

Treatment- Treatment of the disease is determined by the severity of the condition. Scaling and root planing is used more as a method of prevention than a cure because of the scraping and removing of tartar and plaque from teeth and gums. Antibiotics in the form of mouthwashes, gels, fibres or pills is the most common treatment for gum disease. In case of really severe
periodontitis surgery and gingival grafting may be required to clean the infected areas.

Author: Scott W.

Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not intend to advise on, diagnose or treat any health condition, including, but not limited to dental health. If you have a health problem, visit your doctor or periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. The USFDA has not evaluated statements about any products in this article.