WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?
Gum disease is the swelling, soreness, inflammation of the gums around your teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque, which is a colorless film that forms on your teeth. That plaque bacteria produces toxins that can lead to the deterioration of tissues and bone that supports your teeth.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE GUM DISEASE?
Signs of early gum disease are not always easy to see and can be painless. That is why it is important to see our dentist regularly. Signs of early gum disease include: Gum redness or puffiness. Bleeding while flossing or eating hard foods. Receding gums that make your teeth appear longer. Persistent bad breath even after tongue cleaning or using mouth rinse. Signs of worsening advanced gum disease include: Swollen, red, puffy, overgrown, or tender gums. Ongoing bad breathe or bad taste in your mouth. Receding, bleeding, or highly sensitive gums. Loose teeth or pain with chewing. Deep pockets between your teeth and gums.
WHAT ARE THE STAGES OF GUM DISEASE?
Stage 1 Gingivitis: This initial stage of gum disease is reversible. It is when bacteria from plaque produce by-products which irritate the gums resulting in inflammation, called gingivitis. Your gums are swollen, inflamed, and red. And there are some bleeding.
Stage 2 Early Periodontitis: If you do not remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, it can buildup and infect your gums, teeth, and the bone that supports them, leading to a more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis. The inflammation progresses into the supporting structures of your teeth. There is some bone loss which results in a deep periodontal pocket measurement depth. And your gums continue to bleed.
Stage 3 Moderate Periodontitis: At this stage there is irreversible damage. There is continued inflammation and destruction of the supporting structures of your teeth. There is more noticeable bone loss and some tooth movement. Bone loss extends between the roots of your teeth.
Stage 4 Advanced Periodontitis: At this stage of gum disease your teeth can shift or loosen, or even need to be removed or extracted. There is severe bone loss and tooth mobility increases. This results in eventual loss of one or more teeth.
MORE ABOUT GUM DISEASE
On average, 50% of American adults between the age of 30 and 90 suffer from bleeding gums. People with diabetes are 2x more likely to develop serious gum disease. Gum disease is the primary cause of tooth loss in adults age 35 and over. Smoking, drinking excessive alcohol, using illegal drugs, eating a poor diet, misaligned teeth, defective fillings and crowns, and pregnancies are some factors that increase the risk of gum disease. There is a link between pregnant women and their dental health and premature birth, because hormones fluctuate during pregnancy causing teeth to loosen. Dental care, regular dental visits, and regular teeth cleanings can in fact contribute to less premature births. Diabetes, Anemia, GERD, Cancer, Osteoporosis, HIV, Sjogren's Syndrome, Celiac Disease, Chronic Kidney Disease, and various autoimmune diseases are all conditions with symptoms that can show up in your mouth. If you have uncontrolled diabetes, your body can have a tougher time cracking down on bacteria in your mouth. Conversely, having a bacterial infection in your mouth can tax the body and make it harder to control diabetes. People with gastric precancerous lesions were also more likely to have high levels of several types of bacteria in their mouths that can contribute to periodontal disease. Dry gums can be a symptom of immune system issues Sjogren's Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lupus. When your gums are dry it can contribute or exacerbate gum disease. Complete tooth loss, dry mouth, and additional oral health concerns were especially linked to developing frailty in older adults, or becoming more vulnerable to declining health or the inability to perform the activities of daily living. There may be an association between gum disease and heart disease. While neglecting your oral health will not necessary cause heart disease, enough research has linked gum disease and heart disease to suggest that there is an association between the two that is not fully understood.
WHAT SHOULD I DO TO HELP PREVENT GUM DISEASE?
Get regular professional dental cleanings at least twice a year by our dentist, even if some insurances covers only once a year. This is the only way to remove plaque that has calcified and hardened into calculus tartar buildup around your teeth. Also your gums will need to be evaluated with a periodontal pocket depth measurement charting. And you need to have your teeth cleaned regularly, or have a deep periodontal scale root planning of your teeth, to remove the tartar calculus buildup above and below your gum line. At home brush at least two times a day with a soft bristled toothbrush. And clean between your teeth with dental floss or an interdental proxy brush cleaner. And use a waterpik set on a gentle setting to flush out food, particles, plaque, and bacteria between your teeth. Eat a balanced diet and limit between meal snacks. A diet rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid, found in foods like fish, can help lower the risk of gum disease. Do not smoke cigarettes or use other forms of tobacco or marijuana. Do not drink alcohol excessively. Do not use any illegal drugs. If your condition is very serious, additional treatments may be necessary. These additional advanced treatments includes: Laser dentistry gum treatment, which is a state-of-the-art treatment for gum disease, or an infection of the tissues and bones that support your teeth and hold them in place. Lasers remove the disease, infected, inflamed, and necrosed soft tissue within the periodontal pocket.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMING TO DR. EUGENE Y. YANG, DDS FOR YOUR REGULAR TEETH CLEANINGS AND DENTAL TREATMENT NEEDS?
Dr. Eugene Y. Yang, DDS has over 20 years experience, the expertise, and gentle touch service that you need to undergo your teeth cleanings and dental treatment needs. At Eugene Y. Yang, DDS, INC. in Torrance, California, Dr. Eugene Y. Yang, DDS provides a full range of dental services for all patients. Call our dental office today or book your dental appointment online now for all your dentistry needs. Where your comfort is as important as your dental care.
Sincerely,
Eugene Y. Yang, DDS, INC.
3525 Pacific Coast Highway
Suite D
Torrance, CA 90505
(310)891-1699
©2018 Eugene Y. Yang, DDS, INC.
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