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Preventing Gum Disease
According to the American Dental Association (ADA) the number one cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States is gum disease. The ADA further states that there is substantial research linking gum disease to other conditions such as, diabetes, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, stroke, bacterial pneumonia, and increased risk during pregnancy.
Healthy gums fit snugly against the teeth and are pink and resilient. In the early stages of gum disease, known as gingivitis, gum tissue can become red and irritated and may bleed while brushing and flossing. This irritation is cause by bacteria colonizing on or under the gum line. This is more commonly referred to as plaque buildup. If not removed these bacterial colonies will begin drawing minerals such as calcium from saliva and begin to harden. This calcified bacteria is much more virulent (aggressive) and is commonly referred to as tartar or calculus. Once calculus forms only a dental professional can remove it with special instruments.
Overtime, if not removed, this bacteria becomes more aggressive. The body's response is to send white blood cells to fight the infection. This is what causes the redness and swelling of the tissue. Eventually, the bod! y begins to pull away from the infection. This is when the bone supporting the teeth is destroyed. The gum tissue is attached to this bone and retreats with the bone creating deepened pockets where bacteria can colonize and calcify make the problem worse. If left untreated this stage of the disease, known as periodontal disease, will cause the teeth to loosen and eventually fall out. In addition the gum tissue will pull away exposing the roots of the teeth leaving them susceptible to decay. Often pus and blood is associated with this stage of the disease causing a foul odor to emanate from the mouth.
Treatment is available for all stages of gum disease, however only gingivitis is reversible. Periodontal disease can only be controlled and the amount of damage halted.
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