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Q What is gingivitis?
A Gingivitis means
inflammation of the gums. This is when the gums around the
teeth become very red and swollen. Often the swollen gums
bleed when they are brushed during cleaning.
Q What is periodontal
disease?
A Long-standing gingivitis can turn into periodontal
disease. There are a number of types of periodontal disease
and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth. As
the disease gets worse 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.
Q Am I likely to suffer from
gum disease?
A Probably. Most people suffer from some form
of gum disease, and it is the major cause of tooth loss in
adults. However, the disease develops very slowly in most
people, and it can be slowed down to a rate that should allow
you to keep most of your teeth for life.
Q What is the cause
of gum disease?
A 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
shown to be the main cause of gum disease. To prevent and
treat gum disease, you need to make sure you remove all the
plaque from your teeth every day. This is done by brushing
and flossing.
Q What happens if gum disease is not treated?
A Unfortunately, gum disease progresses painlessly on the whole
so that you do notice the damage it is doing. However, the
bacteria are sometimes more active and this 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 time, treatment can become more difficult.
Q How do
I know if I have gum disease?
A The first sign is blood
on the toothbrush or in the rinsing water when you clean
your teeth. Your gums may also bleed when you are eating,
leaving a bad taste in your mouth. Your breath may also become
unpleasant.
Q What do I do if I think I have gum disease?
A 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
sign 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.
Q What treatments are needed?
A Your dentist
will usually give your teeth a thorough clean. You'll also
be shown how to remove plaque successfully yourself, cleaning
all surfaces of your teeth thoroughly and effectively. This
may take a number of sessions with the dentist or hygienist.
Q
What else may be needed?
A Once your teeth are clean,
your dentist may decide to carry out further cleaning of
the roots of the teeth, to make sure that the last pockets
of bacteria are removed.
You'll probably need
the treatment area to be numbered before anything
is done. Afterwards, you may feel some discomfort for up
to 48 hour.
Q Once I have had periodontal disease, can I get it again?
A Periodontal disease is 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 go for
regular check ups by the dentist and hygienist.
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Courtesy
of the BDHF
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