Gum Disease

    The word disease sounds scary - and it can be if you don't take care of your gums.  Here is some information about what gum disease is, what causes it and how you can prevent it.

         

What is gum disease        

      Periodontal means "around the tooth."  Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the tissues that support the tooth, meaning the bone, ligament and gums.  Periodontal disease can affect one or many teeth.  Periodontal disease begins when the bacteria found in plaque cause the gums to become inflamed, this early stage is known as gingivitis.  Gingivitis is the mildest form of periodontal disease.  In this stage the gums appear red, swollen and bleed easily.  There is usually little or no discomfort.

What causes Gum disease

      Plaque is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease.  If plaque isn't removed each day through proper brushing and flossing technique, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar).  These hardened deposits trap bacteria below the gum line.  The bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gums.  These toxins cause the breakdown of fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets.  As the disease progresses, pockets become deeper as the bacteria and their toxins result in the destruction of the bone surrounding the tooth.  As bone loss worsens teeth begin to exhibit mobility.  Eventually, severe infection may develop with pain and swelling, often times requiring the removal of the tooth.  

        There are other factors that can increase the likelihood of developing periodontal disease.  The most common are: tobacco users and diabetics, both are at higher risk of developing gum disease.  

How is gum disease treated       

      In the early stages of gum disease, treatment most often includes a special cleaning called scaling and root planing, which removes plaque and tartar around the tooth and smooths the root surfaces.  Antibiotics may also be used to supplement the effects of the scaling and root planing.  In cases of mild gum disease, scaling and root planing along with proper daily oral hygiene will help to limit the progression of the disease.  Advanced cases of gum disease may require removal of portions of the gum tissue to allow you to adequately clean root surfaces at home.  

How can I prevent gum disease

       Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. You can also reduce your risk of gum disease by quitting smoking and controlling diabetes.  Talk to your dentist for a personalized plan to help you avoid gum disease.  

Fluoride and Your Dental Health

Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to demineralization, a process that occurs when acids, produced by decay-causing bacteria or found naturally in certain food, attack the enamel of a tooth and cause the enamel to dissolve.  Fluoride also helps to speed remineralization, adding strengthening minerals to the enamel layer of an erupted tooth in both adults and children.

Where is fluoride found?
The primary source of fluoride is drinking water.  Tap water in most U.S. cities contains fluoride, however, some rural towns have yet to incorporate fluoridation into the drinking water.  Your dentist can help you figure out if your town has fluoridated water.  Some, but not all bottled waters contain fluoride.  Fluoride can also be directly applied to teeth through toothpastes and fluoride containing mouth rinses.  Dentists and dental hygienists can apply fluoride directly to your teeth in the form of a gel, foam or varnish.  These products contain much higher levels of fluoride than toothpastes and mouth rinses.

When should fluoride use begin? 
Developing teeth can benefit from a little fluoride.  Most municipal water supplies are fortified with adequate fluoride. (Call your local water authority to find out about yours.) If yours isn't, or if you get your water from a well, consider buying a test kit from your local health department, a hardware store, or a pharmacy. If the results show a fluoride content of less than .3 parts per million, ask your dentist whether you should give your child a supplement. (The recommended dosage per day is .25 milligrams for children under 3, .5 mg for kids 3 to 6, and 1 mg for kids over 6). You can get a prescription for a fluoride supplement in the form of drops or chewable tablets.

Keep in mind that while little fluoride is a good thing for your child's teeth, swallowing too much of it over time can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which can cause white spots to show up on your child's adult teeth.  This is why it's important not to use too much toothpaste, especially before your child learns to rinse and spit it out.

When is additional fluoride necessary?
 Additional fluoride treatment can benefit children and adults with certain oral conditions, including dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum disease.  To find out if you and your children are receiving enough fluoride or should consider fluoride treatment or supplements ask your dentist.