What is gum (periodontal) disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.  It is a major cause of tooth loss, bleeding gums, and bad breath in adults.  Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it.

What can cause gum disease?

Gum disease is caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. There are other factors that can contribute to gum disease including:

• Hormonal Changes such as those occurring during pregnancy and menopause
• Illnesses including cancer, HIV, and diabetes
• Medications that lessen the flow of saliva
• Smoking makes it harder for the gum tissue to repair itself
• Not brushing and flossing on a daily basis
• Family History of dental disease 

What are the signs of gum (periodontal) disease?

• gums that bleed when you brush your teeth
• red, swollen or tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from teeth
• bad breath that doesn’t go away
• loose teeth
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

What can happen if gum disease isn’t detected and treated?

If gum disease isn’t treated the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged.  The teeth can become loose and fall out or will have to be removed by a dentist.  Then you would either get dentures, or have no teeth and eat applesauce for the rest of your days.  Hmmm!  A visit to the dentist is sounding better and better.

How can I prevent and control gum disease?

The good news is that you can help prevent gum disease by taking good care of your teeth everyday and having regular dental checkups. 

• Brush your teeth well twice per day.
• Clean between your teeth everyday.  Early gum disease can be reversed by daily brushing and flossing.
• Eat a balanced diet
• Visit your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and checkup
• Stop smoking
• Check out this video on treatments for periodontal disease from the American Dental Association

Ok, so it’s not the most pleasant dinner topic but let’s face it, we’ve all been around others when their breath has been a little overwhelming. 

We all know that bad breath can spoil our dates, business meetings, and social interactions in general.  We may be annoying others even without knowing it.  Are there simple steps you can take to ensure that your mouth doesn’t stink.  Yes, there are.  Bad breath does not necessarily mean that there is a dental problem, but seeing your dentist on a regular basis can make sure that there isn’t a problem.

The simplest factors causing bad breath are:

• Consumption of tobacco and alcohol
• Deposits on the tongue
• Food particles inside the mouth

Here are quick and easy steps to follow to avoid bad breath:

• Brush your teeth after every meal.  Yes, you’ve heard this a million times before, but that only emphasizes how important a step it is.  Hidden food particles in the mouth decay, producing micro-organisms, which in turn release bad odor.  EEEWWW!  Micro-critters hanging out in your mouth!  You don’t want that.
• Floss, floss, floss.  Yep, another one you’ve heard before.  But flossing regularly gets rid of the food particles stuck between your teeth.  And if you’ve ever been brave enough to sniff your floss afterwards…. it doesn’t smell pretty.
• Rinse your mouth thoroughly with a good mouthwash a couple times during the days when you feel you have bad breath or after your morning coffee.
• Drink plenty of water.  Bacteria thrives in a dry mouth. 
• Cleanse your tongue regularly to combat bad breath.  Using your tooth brush works.
• See you dentist every 6 months or more often depending on your periodontal needs.  It’s a quick appointment, and you end up with clean, smooth, teeth and fresh breath.