Woman's Day, October 3rd, 2006
What is it?
No doubt you’ve heard of gingivitis, the mildest and most common form of gum disease. Gingivitis is reversible, but if it goes untreated, it may lead to periodontitis, in which the gum detaches from the tooth, causing deep pockets to form. Worst-case scenario? Bone and tissue that hold teeth in place are destroyed, causing teeth to loosen and fall out.
How does it happen?
Bacteria in the mouth create plaque, an invisible film that coats your teeth. If plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar, which builds up between teeth and gums. Over time, plaque destroys connective tissue and damages bone.
What are the signs?
-Tender, swollen gums
-Gums that bleed during toothbrushing
-Persistent bad breath
-Gums that are shiny, bright red or reddish-purple
Who is at risk?
If you smoke, have diabetes or have poor oral hygiene, you’re more likely to develop gingivitis. Other risk factors include:
-Aging
-Stress
-Family history
-Poor nutrition
-A weakened immune system
-Taking certain medications, such as birth control pills or antidepressants
How can you prevent or reverse gingivitis?
-Floss every day and brush your teeth twice daily.
Use circular rather than up-and-down strokes, which
can harm gums.
-Clean your tongue with a toothbrush or tongue
scraper, available at most drugstores.
-Use an antimicrobial mouthwash designed to reduce plaque.
-See your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning.
How is periodontitis treated?
-Scaling and root planing are deep-cleaning procedures that remove tartar.
These are often followed by a course of antibiotics.
-For serious cases, there are surgical interventions, such as flap surgery, in
which gums are lifted away from the teeth to clean out tartar deposits and then stitched back in place.
(Sidebar)
Did you know?
-Approximately 70 percent of adults suffer from gingivitis.
-You have increased risk for gum disease during menstruation, pregnancy
and menopause, when fluctuating hormone levels make mouth tissues more susceptible to bacteria.
-There may be a link between gum disease and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.
