Gum disease is known as a periodontal disease. It is a process in which the tissues surrounding the teeth become damaged. This disease is the major cause of tooth loss in people of the age of 35-40 and almost all of the people who live past middle age develop at least a mild form of it.

Most people want to keep their teeth during their lives by watching their diet, getting regular dental checkup and keep good dental hygiene. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. In this condition, healthy pinkish gums become red and can bleed during flossing or brushing. Another type of gum disease is periodontis which is a more severe gum disease. In this case, the gums separate from the teeth both at and below the gum line, leaving deep pockets where bacteria may accumulate. Once bacteria invades the tooth root, they destroy the ligaments anchoring the tooth to the bone gradually detaching the gums from the teeth.

This infection may erode the bony socket holding the tooth in place. Some evidence shows that chronic gum disease may be linked to some ailments as an increase of cardiovascular disease and stroke. These types of gum diseases may develop in people who do not practice good dental hygiene, who have badly designed teeth and those who smoke. People with uncontrolled diabetes also have tendencies to have gingivitis.

The symptoms of gum disease are swollen, tender gums that bleed easily. Teeth may become particularly sensitive to cold or hot food, and may lead to an unpleasant taste in your mouth as well as bad breath. In the later stages of gum disease, teeth may become lose or fall out.

Gum disease is usually treated with com-plaque and calculus, following by extensive home care. Flossing the teeth once daily and brushing twice a day will help prevent or reduce gum disease. In case people have peridontodis, the doctor or dental hygienist removes tartar with a dip scaling followed by flossing and brushing.

If the condition does not become better, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics like Metronidasole or Doxycycline which are effective against anaerobic bacteria which causes gum disease. If the medication doesn’t help, sometimes surgery may be required.

This entry was filed under Diseases and Conditions.

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