Rumney Hill Dental .

Advice Sheet.

Gum Disease – and Periodontitis

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a or dental hygienist. It is caused by a build up of plaque and that harbour bacteria. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of bone and tissue that hold teeth in place.

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to "periodontitis" (which means "inflammation around the tooth.") In periodontitis, pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called "pockets") that become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Bacterial toxins and the body's natural response to infection start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

Prevention: • Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste) • Don’t smoke. • Floss every day or clean between your teeth with “TP” type brushes. • Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning • Eat a well balanced diet

Risk Factors:

Smoking – can hasten the development of gum disease; mask the signs and symptoms whilst worsening the condition.

Diabetes

Hormonal changes such as those in pregnancy.

Treatment: The main goal of treatment is to control the infection by reduction of the numbers of harmful bacteria.

The main method of treatment is Deep Cleaning of the teeth and associated pockets also known as . Scaling means scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease. Sometimes it is necessary for surgery to be undertaken if there is persistent inflammation in deep pockets.

1 Medications may be used in conjunction with the mechanical cleaning such as or tablets but these alone will not adequately treat gun disease.

Complications:

• Recurrent gum infections • Loose teeth, • Loss of teeth, • Damage to the bone (alveolar) and thin layer of tissue (periodontal membrane) which surrounds the root of the teeth, • Receding gums

General Health

It has been observed in some studies that some patients with gun disease were more likely to develop heart disease or have difficulty in controlling blood sugar when compared to those without gum disease.

All Wales Smoking Cessation Service

If you smoke and would like to give up there is a service available that can help you from the Welsh Assembly Government

Free phone number:

0800 085 2219

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