Knowing When Gum Disease Has Hit
FRIDAY, Sept. 19 (HealthDayNews) -- You may have gum disease and not even know it.
Eighty percent of American adults have some form of periodontal (gum) disease. However, because the early symptoms are usually painless, many people at risk for gum disease don't recognize the signs and stages, says a report in the September/October issue of General Dentistry.
Healthy gums appear coral pink, firm and form a sharp point where they meet the area of the tooth.
But those healthy gums can be threatened by plaque, which forms when excessive amounts of bacteria and food build up in the spaces between the teeth and gums. A plaque build-up can develop and harden into tartar, which irritates the gum area next to the tooth.
Bacterial toxins in the tartar cause gums to become infected, red and tender. That can lead to gingivitis, which is characterized by inflamed or tender gums, bleeding gums and chronic bad breath. This is the beginning stage of gum disease.
If left uncontrolled, the infection will spread from the gums to the ligaments and bone supporting the teeth. The ligaments and tissues will be destroyed. Infections are likely to develop, resulting in a gum abscess, a collection of pus and swelling of gum tissues.
Periodontal disease can result in loose teeth and receding gums, creating increased space between teeth.
Dentists treat gingivitis by cleaning teeth to remove plaque and tartar and by prescribing special mouthwashes or topical treatments. Treatment for periodontal disease is more involved. It may require antibiotics, deep scaling of the root surface, removing infected gum tissue or extracting teeth.
That's why it's essential to catch gum disease -- which can develop within weeks -- at the earliest stages. Regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups can help prevent periodontal disease.
More information
Here's where you can learn more about gum disease at http://www.ada.org/public/topics/
The information in this article, including reference materials, are provided to you solely for educational or research purposes. Information in reference materials, are not and should not be considered professional health care advice upon which you should rely. Health care information changes rapidly and consequently, information in this article may be out of date. Questions about personal health should always be referred to a physician, dentist or other health care professional.