Periodontal (Gum) Disease and Its Prevention

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Periodontal or gum disease is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases caused by bacteria attacking the tissues that surround and support your teeth (gums or gingivitis). This is one of the most dangerous and most frequent dental problems which nowadays can be found in every three of four Americans over 35. At the same time, according to the research carried out by Harris Interactive Inc, only 60% of adult Americans have enough information on how to recognize the symptoms and prevent gum disease. Many people are also not aware about the fact that this disease is one of the leading reasons of tooth loss.
Periodontal disease usually starts with formation of bacteria (or plague) around your teeth, that within the time accumulates and hardens into calculus (or tartar). After this, bacteria begin affecting the gums around your teeth, so such effects as bleeding or receding gums, sensitive or swollen gums can take place. On the second stage of the disease, bacteria can grow below the gumline and affect the teeth, make them lose and damage the connective tissues.

Gum Disease Development

Therefore, the following symptoms must give you a signal about inflammation and possible serious problems with your gums:
•    Bleeding gums;
•    Swollen or sore gums;
•    Too red or too pale gums;
•    Gum recessions;
•    Painful teeth;
•    Loose or shifting teeth;
•    Bad breath.
On its early stages gum disease can be quite painless and hard to be detected. Certainly, the earlier the disease is detected, the more effective medical treatment will be. Generally, the treatment is aimed on removing the tartar from the roots of teeth and assisting gums in healing and reattaching. Modern medicine offers the following options for periodontal disease treatment: operative procedures, laser treatment, antibiotic treatments, scaling and root planing, medications and other periodontal procedures.
The specialists recommend regular dental check-ups and healthy diet as the most effective preventive measures for gum disease. Do not delay seeing your dentist after you have noticed the first symptoms of possible inflammation in your gums. Also, always remember that proper dental care (regular brushing, flossing, as well as visiting your dentist twice a year) is sufficient for keeping you gums and teeth healthy for a lifetime!