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What
is gum disease?
Gum disease
describes inflammation or infection of the tissues supporting
the teeth. There are two main forms of gum
disease: gingivitis and periodontal
disease.
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What
is gingivitis?
Gingivitis means
inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around
the teeth become very red and swollen, showing that the
area is inflamed. Often this swollen gum bleeds when it
is brushed during cleaning.
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What
is periodontal disease?
Long-standing
gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease. There
are a number of forms of periodontal disease and they
all affect the supporting structures of the teeth. As
the disease progresses 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.
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Am
I likely to suffer from gum disease?
Probably. Most
of the population suffers from some form of gum disease,
and it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. However, the disease
progresses very slowly in most people and can be slowed
down to a rate that should allow you to keep most of your
teeth for life.
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What
is the cause of gum disease?
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 identified as the main
cause of gum disease. To prevent and treat gum disease,
you need to make sure you remove all plaque from your
teeth every day. This is done by brushing and flossing.
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What
happens if gum disease is not treated?
Unfortunately,
gum disease progresses painlessly, on the whole. However,
you may occasionally experience a burst of activity by
the bacteria, which 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
period of time, treatment can become more difficult.
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How
do I know if I have gum disease?
The first sign
is blood on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when
you clean your teeth. Gums may also bleed when eating,
leaving a bad taste in the mouth. Your breath may also
become unpleasant.
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What
do I do if I think I have gum disease?
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 evidence
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.
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What
treatments are needed?
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 evidence
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.
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Once
I have had periodontal disease, can I get it again?
The periodontal
diseases are 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 return
for regular check-ups by the dentist and hygienist.
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