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Q What is gum disease?
A Gum disease describes swelling,
soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the
teeth. There are two main forms of gum disease: gingivitis
and periodontal disease.
Q What is gingivitis?
A Gingivitis means inflammation of the
gums. This is when the gums around the teeth become very
red and swollen. Often the swollen gums bleed when they
are brushed during cleaning.
Q What is periodontal
disease?
A Long-standing gingivitis can turn
into periodontal disease. There are a number of types
of periodontal disease and they all affect the tissues
supporting the teeth. As the disease gets worse the bone
anchoring the teeth in the jaw is lost, making the teeth
loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually
fall out.
Q Am I likely to suffer
from gum disease?
A Probably. Most people suffer from some
form of gum disease, and it is the major cause of tooth loss
in adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most
people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow
you to keep most of your teeth for life.
Q What is the cause
of gum disease?
A All gum disease is caused by plaque.
Plaque is a film of bacteria, which forms on the surface
of the teeth and gums every day. Many of the bacteria
in plaque are completely harmless, but there are some
that have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease.
To prevent and treat gum disease, you need to make sure
you remove all the plaque from your teeth every day.
This is done by brushing and flossing.
Q What happens if gum
disease is not treated?
A Unfortunately, gum disease progresses
painlessly on the whole so that you do notice the damage
it is doing. However, the bacteria are sometimes more active
and this makes your gums sore. This can lead to gum abscesses,
and pus may ooze from around the teeth. Over a number of
years, the bone supporting the teeth can be lost. If the
disease is left untreated for a long time, treatment can
become more difficult.
Q How do I know if I
have gum disease?
A The first sign is blood on the toothbrush
or in the rinsing water when you clean your teeth. Your
gums may also bleed when you are eating, leaving a bad
taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become unpleasant.
Q What do I do if I
think I have gum disease?
A The first thing to do is visit your dentist
for a thorough check-up of your teeth and gums. The dentist
can measure the 'cuff' of gum around each tooth to see if
there is any sign that periodontal disease has started. X-rays
may also be needed to see the amount of bone that has been
lost. This assessment is very important, so the correct treatment
can be prescribed for you.
Q What treatments are
needed?
A Your dentist will usually give your
teeth a thorough clean. You'll also be shown how to remove
plaque successfully yourself, cleaning all surfaces of
your teeth thoroughly and effectively. This may take
a number of sessions with the dentist or hygienist.
Q What else may be needed?
A Once your teeth are clean, your dentist
may decide to carry out further cleaning of the roots
of the teeth, to make sure that the last pockets
of bacteria are removed.
You'll probably need the treatment area to
be numbered before anything is done. Afterwards,
you may feel some discomfort for up to 48 hour.
Q Once I have had periodontal
disease, can I get it again?
A Periodontal disease is never cured. But
as long as you keep up the home care you have been taught,
any further loss of bone will be very slow and it may stop
altogether. However, you must make sure you remove plaque
every day, and go for regular check ups by the dentist and
hygienist.
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