An article looking at the growing problem of gum disease
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
Gum disease is a very common health problem; most people will experience symptoms of mild gum disease at some point in their lives and gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss. There are two types of gum disease; these include gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, which is usually characterised by swollen gums, bleeding gums (especially after brushing your teeth) and red gums. In most cases, if caught early on, gingivitis can be treated very quickly and simply, however if the condition is left untreated it may develop and progress into periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease
Periodontal disease is a severe form of gum disease; this condition affects the structures and tissues which support the teeth, which can lead to the teeth becoming loose and even falling out. Periodontal disease can be very serious and can take months and even years to treat if it becomes advanced.
Prevention
To prevent gum disease it is important to adopt and stick to a good daily oral hygiene routine, which should include two minutes of brushing teeth twice each day and using mouthwash and flossing regularly. It is as well vital to visit your dentist on a habitual basis; most dentists advise patients to attend a check-up every six months but you may be advised to come every twelve months if you have good oral health.
If you do notice that you have symptoms of gingivitis, including swollen and bleeding gums, arrange to see your dentist so that you can get treatment quickly before the condition gets any worse. You may be more likely to suffer from gum disease if you smoke and have a poor oral hygiene routine; gum disease is caused by plaque, which is a sticky substance that collects on the surfaces of the teeth and along the gum line. Plaque can be removed by regular brushing and using dental floss and mouthwash on a daily basis.
Pregnancy and gum disease
If you are pregnant, it is important to attend regular check-ups as the hormones secreted during pregnancy make you more likely to develop gum disease. Recent studies have also established a link between maternal gum disease and complications during birth and increased risk of premature birth and stillbirth. NHS dental care is free for pregnant women.
Treatment
If a patient has periodontal disease, this means the gums and surrounding bone structure have been infected by harmful bacteria. Treatment will be focused on tackling the source of the infection, under the gums and can take many months; traditionally, dentists prefer to treat each quadrant of the mouth separately to avoid anaesthetising the whole mouth; however, a new treatment known as Bone One Session treatment can treat the condition in just four hours. The BOST treatment targets the source of the infection and provides a thorough cleaning treatment, which will remove traces of harmful bacteria from plaque and encourage bone regeneration.
If you have bleeding gums, this may not necessarily mean that you have gum disease; in many cases, bleeding gums are caused by accidents or trauma; to stem the bleeding, apply a cold compress or an ice pack (always make sure the ice pack is covered with a cloth or towel) to the gums and leave it there for a few minutes. If you experience other symptoms of gum disease, schedule to visit your dental practitioner. If you are playing contact sports on a regular basis you should wear a mouth guard, as this will help to prevent damage to your teeth and gums.
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Article Submitted By:
Matthew Etherington
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Date: Sun, 7 Nov 2010 Time: 10:22 PM
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