Dental Dentist

By Marc Ilgen

Gum Disease is a big problem for Americans. It is the number one reason that adults lose their teeth. Actually, 75% of adults over the age of 35 have some type of gum disease. The bad thing is, most of them have no idea that they have it. Taking care of your teeth is the only way to avoid developing Gum Disease. Below you will find some great information on tooth care and Gum Disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum Disease, or Periodontal Disease, happens when bacteria in your mouth and other factors destroy the tissues of the gums surrounding your teeth. It starts as plaque. Plaque forms on our teeth constantly. When so much plaque has built up on your teeth, it will harden and form what is called Tartar. Tartar can form in as little as 24 hours. Plaque sticks to the teeth so well that it can only be taken off by a dentist through a professional cleaning.

When this plaque eats away at the teeth and the surrounding tissues, a person can develop Gingivitis. This is the first stage in Gum Disease. The next stage is Periodontal Disease. The result of these conditions can be the loss of your teeth! Let's look at some more information and treatment and prevention options.

What are the signs of Gum Disease?

One of the very first signs of Gum Disease is bleeding or irritated gums. This may only happen when you are brushing your teeth, but if you see blood, it is not a good sign. This means that the teeth or gums are not healthy and you should see your dentist immediately.

Another sign of Gum Disease is bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. This occurs from the bacteria which grow in your mouth, or decaying tissue.

You may notice a difference in the way your teeth come together when you bite. Gum Disease can destroy the bone and gums which support your teeth. Bone and tissue loss will result in your bite being different.

Your teeth may be loose. The loss of surrounding tissue and bone makes a gap between the teeth and the bone. This results in the loosening of the teeth, and may eventually lead to losing your teeth altogether.

What can I do to prevent Gum Disease?

It is very important that you take care of your teeth regularly. Here are some tips on how to take care of your teeth the proper way.

• Brush your teeth after every meal. You absolutely must get the food particles from your teeth. Missed food particles will decay in your mouth. This will assist in the growth of bacteria, and the formation of plaque. This is the culprit behind Gum Disease. Brush after every meal, or at least three times a day.
• Flossing is important. Brushing removes food particles and plaque from the surface of the teeth, however, it cannot reach between the teeth and below the gum line. Flossing your teeth twice daily helps remove food particles and plaque, and will keep your teeth healthier and disease free.
• Use an electric toothbrush. The smaller heads of an electric toothbrush and the circular motion in which they move is great for keeping your teeth clean and plaque free.
• Don't use a hard or medium bristled brush. Brushing your teeth harder is not the answer. In fact, it may do more damage than good. Brushing your teeth hard is abrasive, and can wear down the enamel on your teeth. This can lead to weak spots in the teeth and make them a target for complications and problems.

The most important thing you can do to take care of your teeth and ensure that they are healthy is visit your dentist regularly. Most dentists recommend a cleaning every six months. There is nothing like a cleaning from your dentist to remove plaque and keep your teeth clean and healthy. If you start to develop any type of Gum Disease, your dentist will notice it right away. He can then recommend treatment.

There are different types of treatments for Gum Disease. If you are in the beginning stages of gum disease, your doctor can recommend a toothpaste or fluoride treatment which will help fight Gingivitis and Gum Disease. After these stages, you can be prescribed medications which will fight the Gum Disease, and if that doesn't do the trick, there are surgeries which can help fight Gingivitis and Periodontal disease. These surgeries can also help your teeth grow closer to the bone and reverse effects of Gum Disease. Your dentist will help you come up with a plan to fight Gum Disease. Seeing him or her regularly is a big step in maintaining healthy teeth and preventing Gum Disease.