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Chances are you or a family member have some stage of gum (periodontal) disease. Relax. While many adults do develop some degree of periodontal disease as part of the aging process, there are steps you can take to prevent it.

What is Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by plaque, a colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth. Plaque is most harmful when these bacteria form into colonies, which takes about 24 hours. If not removed daily, plaque mixes with sugars and starches in the diet to form acids and other by-products in the saliva. Plaque irritates the gums, causing them to become red, tender and swollen. It also causes the gums to bleed easily. If not removed, plaque hardens to form calculus (tartar) around the necks of the teeth.

Other Causes of Periodontal Disease

In addition to plaque, a number of factors contribute to gum disease including:

1. Physical and chemical irritants - impacted food, smoking, chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, improper use of dental floss and toothpicks.

2. Oral conditions or habits that cause abnormal stress on mouth tissues - badly aligned teeth, poor fitting bridges or partial dentures, defective fillings; also habits such as grinding or clenching the teeth, or chewing ice.

3. Unbalanced diet - evidence shows a link between nutritional deficiency and the body's ability to fight off infection. Vitamin C deficiency has been linked to gum disease.

4. Pregnancy - increased hormone levels may aggravate a condition commonly referred to as "pregnancy gingivitis."

5. Diseases - diabetes, uremia, liver cirrhosis, AIDS, anemia and lukemia may affect the health of your gums.

6. Certain medications - oral contraceptives, anti-epilepsy drugs, steroids and cancer therapy drugs may also affect the gums.

What Are The Signs?

  • gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
  • red, swollen or tender gums
  • gums that have receded or shrunken away from your teeth
  • pus between your teeth and gums when you press your gums with your finger
  • teeth that seem loose or that change position; often the front teeth tend to "fan" out
  • a change in your bite
  • a change in the way your partial dentures fit
  • bad breath or a chronic bad taste in your mouth

Diagnosis

Of course, the only way to confirm a diagnosis of periodontal disease is to have your mouth thoroughly examined, and the necessary oral X-rays taken. We also recommend a thorough prophylaxis (tooth cleaning) for all adults at least twice a year. At that time we may use a special instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the crevice (pocket) - the space between the tooth and the gum tissue. Pocket depth measurement, clinical examination and X-rays determine the precise extent of gum disease.

TIPS

  • Thoroughly brush and floss
  • Eat well-balanced meals
  • Examine your mouth regularly
  • Visit at least twice a year