|
Periodontal
(gum) disease is caused by food particles and the sticky,
colorless film that adheres to your teeth called plaque.
Because it's usually painless and slow to progress,
periodontal disease can easily reach an advanced stage,
resulting in deterioration of gums and bone structure
and then tooth loss. So how do you know if you have
periodontal disease?
- Healthy gums and bone anchor the
teeth in place.
- If plaque builds up on teeth,
it hardens and becomes calculus, or tartar. In gingivitis,
the early stage of periodontal disease, warning signs
may include swollen, bleeding gums or persistent bad
breath. However, most people notice no symptoms at
all.
- Periodontitis is a more advanced
stage of gum disease and often results from untreated
gingivitis. Tartar irritates the gums and causes them
to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that
fill with more plaque.
- In advanced periodontitis, the
pockets grow deeper, and plaque moves further down
toward the tooth root, destroying supporting bone.
The affected teeth may become loose and eventually
fall out.
- Prevention
starts at home
While regular
dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and detect
early signs of periodontal disease, you play the major
role in preventing tartar from forming. Here are some
measures you can take to keep your teeth for a lifetime:
- Brush
for five minutes, twice a day, with fluoridated
toothpaste.
- Floss
daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush
can't reach. Don't like to floss? Try a floss holder,
which can make it easier to insert floss between teeth.
- Although not a substitute for
brushing and flossing, a mouth rinse can reduce plaque
up to 20 percent. Toothpicks are also helpful in fighting
gum disease -- ask your dentist about special types
designed to keep gums healthy.
- Eat
right. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque,
and only a healthy diet provides the nutrients necessary
(vitamins A and C, in particular) to prevent gum disease.
- Avoid
cigarettes and chewing tobacco, which may contribute
to gum disease and oral cancer. Certain medications
can also aggravate gum disease, including oral contraceptives,
antidepressants and heart medicines.
- Have your dentist correct problems,
such as faulty fillings, crowded teeth or teeth-grinding.
- Exercise
preventive care and schedule regular checkups—the
surest way to detect early signs of periodontal disease.
Courtesy of the Academy of General
Dentistry (www.agd.org)
Back
to mature adults
|
