Warning Signs & Factors of a Gum Disease

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem: 

• gums that bleed easily
• red, swollen, tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• persistent bad breath or bad taste
• permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• any change in the fit of partial dentures

Some factors increase the risk of developing gum disease. They are:

• poor oral hygiene
• smoking or chewing tobacco
• genetics
• crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean 
• pregnancy 
• diabetes 
• medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease because the sooner you treat it the better. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. 

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. This is the most common form of periodontitis in adults but can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Aggressive periodontitis is a highly destructive form of periodontal disease that occurs in patients who are otherwise healthy. Common features include rapid loss of tissue and bone and may occur in some areas of the mouth, or in the entire mouth.

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.

It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. Remember: You don’t have to lose teeth to gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

To read the entire article visit mouthhealthy.org

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis.

How to Get Rid of Plaque

To help prevent plaque buildup, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste for around the clock protection against plaque buildup, and floss once a day.

Adding a mouth rinse such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse to your routine can help against plaque buildup, without the burning sensation of alcohol. Eating well-balanced meals and brushing after snacks will reduce the formation of plaque. Visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings, during which your dental professional will scrape away any accumulated plaque with a special instrument.

Above article from: Crest.com

Connecticut Family Dental  
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103  
Waterbury, CT 06708  
(203) 574-2725  
www.CTFDental.com

Preventive Dentistry

Gum Disease Can Mean Lost Teeth
The most common reason people lose teeth is because of gum disease, not decay. Sometimes symptoms are not apparent, but bleeding gums while brushing or flossing and shifting or loose teeth are indications of some level of infected gums. If you have already been told you need gum surgery, you will be pleased to know if the infection is not advanced, there are nonsurgical methods that can reverse the problem.

Beyond the Obvious IssuesRecent research has revealed that gum disease is more serious than losing your teeth. Periodontal (gum) infection is linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These conditions can be fatal, and dentists now regard gum infection as a more serious matter. The American Dental Association has projected that nearly 80% of all Americans have gum disease at some stage, which puts it at epidemic proportions.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." The bacterial infection of the gums travels throughout the bloodstream, reaching vital organs and contributing to serious health problems.

There Is Hope!
Gum surgery is the treatment for periodontal infection in the advanced phase. It is mostly successful in stopping the condition. We emphasize if you have any gum bleeding or loose teeth to let us know, because in the milder stages of gum disease, there are options of nonsurgical procedures. Together with better daily dental care, the disease will be halted. Both surgical and nonsurgical procedures are covered by most dental insurance plans.

The Truth About Lost Teeth
Do you know what problems can result when you lose a tooth? Having even just one missing tooth can cause the other teeth to shift or move. This will affect chewing and the amount of nutrients you absorb from your food. It becomes more difficult to chew healthier food choices like fresh fruit and vegetables, so softer foods with higher calorie content may be favored. This will result in unwanted weight gain. The appearance of your face may change, taking on a hollowed look in the jaw and mouth areas and adding years to your appearance. We can take care of these problems with dental implants. They can replace as many teeth as are missing. They function just like real teeth and look so good, a dentist would have a hard time telling they are not your own.

A Painless Treatment for Gum Disease
The primary cause of tooth loss is gum disease. Our doctors combat this infection with a very effective antibiotic called ARESTIN™. It is a powder that contains invisible microspheres that are time released and delivered directly to the infected areas. It is powerful, yet painless in the fight against periodontal (gum) disease. 

Connecticut Family Dental 
171 Grandview Avenue, Suite 103 
Waterbury, CT 06708 
(203) 574-2725 
www.CTFDental.com