Gum Health: How to Keep Your Gums and Teeth Healthy

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Gum disease is an umbrella term used to describe any form of infection on the supporting structures that hold a tooth in its place in the jaw. It usually involves infection of the gums and bone.

There is a wide spectrum of conditions that are labelled Gum Disease. They can range from simple inflammation of the gums to widespread infection that leaves the teeth loose as in Advanced Chronic Periodontitis.

Gingivitis is when there is any level of inflammation of the gums. The gums are reacting to foreign toxins produced by the bacteria. This can range from mild, moderate to advanced. Once the tooth has reached the advanced stage the infection then it begins to affect the jaw bone surrounding the tooth as well. Gingivitis can be “Acute” where it is very painful or “Chronic” where there is no pain but there are other symptoms of deterioration.

Peri-Implantitis is when the gum disease has spread not around natural teeth but around implants.

When the bone becomes infected as well as the gums, the condition is called Periodontitis. This can also range from mild to moderate to advanced. Mild Periodontitis is when the bone is just starting to become affected and is being “eaten” away by the bacteria. Once the infection moves on to the advanced stages the teeth become very loose, unstable and painful. Again, Periodontitis can be “Acute” where there is pain and inflammation or “Chronic” where the deterioration is silent and unnoticed without a professional examination.

 

Symptoms of Gum Disease include:

 

Red inflamed gums

Discoloured gums

Gum swelling

Loose teeth

Bleeding gums

Bad breath

Abscess

Painful teeth

Unstable teeth

Receding gums

 

Causes of Gum Disease

Gum Disease is caused by a build-up of the bacteria which live in the plaque and tartar on your teeth. The harmful chemicals produced by the bacteria irritate your gums causing them to bleed.

If you don't remove plaque everyday, you may find that your gums become swollen and red and that they bleed easily when you brush your teeth.

It is known that approximately 80% of the population has some level of gum disease. For this reason, at the Perfect Smile Studios we take this condition very seriously.

As gum disease progresses, your gums may pull away from your teeth to form pockets or gaps between your teeth and gums. We call these gaps Periodontal Pockets.

As periodontal pockets can be very difficult to clean out properly, they tend to fill up with more plaque and tartar and become infected. Know about periodontic specialists.

If allowed to progress this infection spreads further causing your teeth to become loose. Therefore, regular removal of bacteria, plaque and tartar professionally by the hygienist & cosmetic dentist  is essential to maintain healthy gums. Excellent home care is also vital.

Your teeth themselves can also become infected as well as the surrounding supporting structures.

It is important to note that Gum Disease is also known as the silent disease since in many cases you may have no symptoms until the situation advances and deteriorates the supporting structures of the teeth.

See also: Fresh Breath Centre | Root Canal Treatments | Headaches & Bite Problems

For more information on General Dentistry click here

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