Taking care of your gums is as important for a healthy mouth as is taking care of your teeth. Fortunately, it’s very easy to do so. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and regular dental check-ups are the easiest ways to prevent gum disease. Unfortunately, for those with poor dental hygiene habits, gum disease is a real problem, and one that can lead to more than just gum problems.
From WebMD: “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates 1 in 7 adults between the ages 35 and 44 have some form of gum disease, from gingivitis to severe periodontitis. By age 65, 1 in 4 adults have gum disease. A report by the American Academy of Periodontology estimates 20% to 30% of adults have gum disease serious enough to put them at risk of losing teeth.”
The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis. Characterized by swelling, redness, and tenderness of the gums, gingivitis is the first warning of a problem with your gums. Fortunately, gingivitis is actually fixable in most cases with good dental hygiene. The second stage of gum disease, periodontitis, is more severe and requires a more intensive fix such as deep cleaning of the gums, medications, and possibly even surgery. Periodontitis is characterized by a receding gum line and teeth that start to become loose as the structures that support the teeth break down due to exposure to bacteria. This could lead to the loss of the tooth or multiple teeth.
For the most serious cases of periodontitis, surgery is required to prevent loss of teeth. Flap surgery is used to lift away the gum flaps, clean the area, and then replace the gum. In the most serious cases, a bone and tissue graft from another part of the mouth will be required to replace the affected part.
In addition to the problems gum disease creates in the mouth, it can also lead to many other serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. This underscores the importance of maintaining proper dental hygiene to avoid gum disease in the first place. If you notice that you’re beginning to develop the signs of gingivitis, or if you believe you may have periodontitis, contact your dentist immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better.
About Olney Dental
Olney Dental has been providing comprehensive dental care for residents of Olney and the surrounding area since 1985. We’re conveniently located on the campus of Montgomery General Hospital, and provide care for all ages for children to adults and seniors. We’re also independently owned by our dentists, which allows us be patient driven in our approach to dentistry. Your smiles make us smile! You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and YouTube.
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/health-perils-of-gum-disease
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/receding_gums_causes-treatments