gum disease | periodontal disease
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Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Gum disease may not initially be apparent, as there are not alwayssymptoms which indicate you have a problem. That’s why it’s important youhave regular check-ups with your dentist who’ll be able to see the early signsof periodontal disease and treat it before it takes hold.
Periodontal disease is quite common, and can be in the form of aninflammation of the gums, to a more serious disease that will eventuallyresult in the damage of soft tissue and bone that supports the teeth.
During the day food particles and mucus form a layer of plaque on our teeth,and this in conjunction with the bacteria in our mouths can cause gumdisease. That’s why it’s essential to brush our teeth twice a day and floss atleast once a day. If we’re negligent in this respect, we get a buildup of tartarwhich can only be removed by a dentist.
Tartar that’s not cleaned away will eventually cause an inflammation of thegums known as gingivitis. The gums become red, swollen and start to bleedand if left untreated can lead to more serious illnesses.
Gum disease can be triggered by smoking, hormonal changes, diabetes andcertain medications. It can also be brought on by serious illness, butwhatever the cause the problem can be lessened by good oral hygiene.
Treating gum disease will depend entirely upon the severity of the condition.A dentist will carry out scaling of the teeth using gritty toothpaste and anelectric toothbrush which will thoroughly clean the teeth and get rid ofunwanted debris. On the other hand more serious conditions may warrantsurgery.
The best way to prevent gum disease is to maintain good oral hygiene andto consult a dentist at least twice a year in order to ensure your teeth andgums are in good condition.
Using the best toothpaste for your needs is mostly down to personal choice.However, if you suffer with sensitive teeth and gums the best toothpastewould be one for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes help to stop your teethand gums from feeling pain during changes in temperature, and ease thediscomfort of receding gums.
It’s important to realize that your overall health can be affected by thecondition of your teeth and gums. A healthy diet of fresh fruit, vegetablesand whole foods all of which should contain essential vitamins and minerals,
will certainly help to prevent gum disease.
Arthur Weiss is a Toluca Lake Dentist serving the San Fernando Valleyregion.
Dr. Arthur W. Weiss10553 Riverside DriveToluca Lake, CA 91602-2440(818) 762-0694www.arthurweissdds.com