The Health Perils Of Gum Disease

     Periodontal disease is more commonly known as gum disease or gingivitis. This infection is serious enough, that it can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. This chronic infection starts around the tooth and it affects the supporting bone and gums. Periodontal disease can affect anywhere from one tooth to all thirty-two teeth. The disease pathology starts with the plaque that builds up on your teeth everyday.

As stated by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Each year, more than 30,000 new cases of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx are diagnosed and over 8,000 deaths due to oral cancer occur.” (CDC). Most adults are unaware that they have periodontal disease or gum disease, this occurs because they do not maintain routine checkups with their dentist. When we insert food and other bacteria into our mouths, it affects our teeth and gums. We need routine dental checkups and cleanings throughout our lives. Dental checkups usually involve x-rays, cleanings, and the examination of the mouth.

Gum disease is caused by the buildup of tartar under the gums. This usually happens because you don't brush your teeth often enough. Even brushing daily may not be enough if you have a medical condition, such as diabetes, that makes you more prone to infections. Your dentist will probably recommend you increase brushing frequency to remove plaque before it can turn into tartar. However, once tartar has already formed, the only way to get rid of it is to have it scraped off by a hygienist. Until your gum disease is under control, your dentist may want you to undergo frequent dental cleanings to keep the tartar off your teeth so your gums can heal.

While good oral hygiene does play a role in preventing both types of periodontitis, there are other factors that may not be under your control that can make your child more susceptible to developing these more advanced forms of gum disease that can actually lead to bone loss in the mouth. One factor is genetics, and another is the presence of an inflammatory disease in their body.

Gum disease starts with bacteria invading the mouth. It can eventually result in tooth loss because of the receding tissue that surrounds the teeth and loosens the teeth. Serious gum disease is preceded by gingivitis, which can be identified by inflamed and bleeding gums. It is important to know that gingivitis can be reversed and can heal completely by keeping up with brushing and flossing.

Millions of Americans suffer from excruciating tooth pain every single day. They have cavities. They have stains on their teeth. They avoid smiling. They can even have bad breath, which is a sign that your teeth or your mouth is unhealthy. Some Americans are walking around with gum disease. Gum disease is an infection in your mouth. It’s the gums and the bones infected and you’re walking around everyday with an infection, which can cause lots of other health problems all over your body because you’re not paying attention to your teeth. On oralb.com, I read that “gum disease is linked to heart attacks and stroke.” Now maybe you’re one of the many Americans who avoids the dentist at all costs. You’re saying, “Oh I brush my teeth twice or three times a day”, “I

These diseases include: respiratory disease, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke and rheumatoid arthritis. The bacteria that can cause periodontitis can enter the bloodstream through gum tissue, which can possibly affect the heart, lungs and other major organs in the body.

Some treatments for other diseases such as cancer, may negatively affect the gums making them more susceptible to gum disease.

However, many overlook the dangers of gum disease, and how it is equally as threatening as tooth decay. Gum disease, often known as gingivitis, can be a problem when left untreated. It often occurs when one has poor oral hygiene. Its symptoms include swollen gums, gum bleeding, gum reddening, and mild to moderate irritation. Although brushing does help prevent and treat this disease to an extent, flossing can enhance it even more and improve gum health. Some may consider this disease a minor one, but when left alone, it can progress to periodontitis, the final and most devastating form of gingivitis. Periodontitis is a harmful disease that “loosens” the gums from the teeth. Depending on the severity of the receding gums, teeth can fall off. Despite its scary symptoms, one can easily prevent this from happening by flossing daily. According to most dentists, gum bleeding while flossing is a sign of bacterial infection. Although many may think that it is a bad sign, it is a signal that the gums are trying to recover.

Many people realize the importance of taking care of their teeth due to the immediate consequences of cavities, but it’s easy to underestimate the importance of having healthy gums. Signs of periodontal disease, often referred to as gum disease, may not be noticeable until the infection has occurred. These are three warning signs that your oral health problems are due to periodontal disease.

Bacterial plaque that forms on your teeth and around your gums is the culprit that causes periodontal disease. When plaque accumulates on your teeth and around your gums, they soon become inflamed, swollen, and bleed

As the condition progresses, it causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leaving pockets in the soft tissue. The gums are now

Gum diseases (sometimes called PERIODONTAL or GINGIVAL DISEASES) are infections that harm the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. When plaque stays on your teeth too long, it forms a hard, harmful covering, called TARTAR, that brushing doesn't clean. The longer the plaque and tartar stay on your teeth, the more damage they cause. This is called GINGIVITIS. If gingivitis is not treated, over time it can make your gums pull away from your teeth and form pockets that can get infected. This is called PERIODONTITIS. If not treated, this infection can ruin the bones, gums, and tissue that support your teeth. In time, it can cause loose teeth that your dentist may have to remove.

Because the gums separate themselves from the teeth, this causes spaces between the teeth and gums, and they will become infected. As the disease advances, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. This gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked to heart disease and strokes. Gingivitis can be prevented by practicing good oral hygiene, but if it is not treated may lead to periodontal disease.

Although many Americans have good oral hygiene due to fluoride and making everyday good decisions, others do not have any access at all to oral health care. Over the years, dentists have been trying to demonstrate the importance of oral care. (“Access to Dental Care”) From commercials to campaigns, dentists will continue to demonstrate to their patients as well as to the people who don't have insurance the importance of oral health care. They will teach them preventative care and some techniques on how to prevent from getting any diseases.