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Gum Disease
Cause
 Having
information on gum disease cause is the first step towards
prevention.
Periodontal or gum disease is
a condition in which bacteria attack
the tissues that surround and support
teeth. It left untreated, it
may result to tooth loss.
Gum disease can be prevented
or treated in the early stages with a
treatment called scaling and root
planning.
Since it is often painless,
most people don’t even know they’ve been
infected only to find out later that the gums and the bone have
been seriously infected.
Sign
of gum disease
The following are early signs
of gum disease. Please see your dentist if you experience
any of these:
 Gums that bleed easily
Red, swollen or tender gums
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
Persistent
bad breath of bad taste
Pus between the teeth and gums when the gums are
pressed.
Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you
bite.
Any changes in the fit of partial dentures
Causes
of gum disease
Gum disease is caused by
plaque- a sticky film of bacteria that clings to the teeth and
gums creating
toxins that can destroy teeth, gums and bone tissue.
Daily brushing and flossing
may not remove all the plaque, especially around the gum line.
Plaque that is
not removed completely every 24 to 48 hours hardens into a rough, porous
deposit
called tartar. Once tartar is formed, the only way to remove it is by having
your
teeth cleaned at the dental office.
How to prevent gum disease
Good oral hygiene at home. Brush teeth at least twice daily
and floss at least
once
daily. This will help prevent plaque form accumulating. A soft bristled toothbrush
together
with a flouride toothpaste is usually recommended.
Regular dental checkups and cleaning during which your dentist can detect
developing
periodontal disease before the gums and the bone supporting the tooth
are irreversibly
damaged.
Gum disease
treatment
If periodontal disease is
present, your dental care provider will recommend a method of
treatment.
Scaling and root planing is
used to remove plaque and tartar beneath the gum line using a
small scaler or
ultrasonic cleaner. A local anesthetic may be given to reduce any
discomfort.The tooth’s surfaces are then smoothed or planed to allow the gum tissue to
heal and reattach to the tooth.
In
some cases, surgery may be needed to save the affected teeth.
Gum
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