January 2017
Gingivitis can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist. This form of gum disease does not include any loss of the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place. When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis, or inflammation around the tooth. In periodontitis, gums 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 can deteriorate. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed. The signs and symptoms of gum disease include bad breath that won’t go away; red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums; pain when chewing; sensitive teeth; and receding gums. Any of these symptoms may be a sign of a serious dental problem and should be checked by a dentist. At your visit, the dentist or dental hygienist will likely ask you about your medical history to identify underlying conditions or risk factors, such as diabetes or smoking, that may contribute to gum disease. Treatment and prevention are critical to maintaining good oral health. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. The main goal of treatment is to control infection. The doctor may also suggest changing
certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve treatment outcome. Preventing gum disease begins with brushing your teeth twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing daily to remove plaque from between teeth is also important. Visit your dentist for a check-up and professional cleaning at least twice a year. More research is needed to clarify whether gum disease actually causes health problems beyond the mouth and whether treating gum disease can keep other health conditions from developing. It’s clear that controlling gum disease can save your teeth and gums and your smile – a very good reason to take care of it. For more information, contact the Kentucky Dental Association at (502) 489-9121 or visit its Web site at https://www.kyda.org. It has a link to find a qualified dentist in your area.
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Sources and Resources Kentucky Dental Association (2017) Dental Information and Find a Dentist. https://www.kyda.org/
About the Author Thomas W. Miller, Ph.D., ABPP, is a professor emeritus and senior research scientist, Center for Health, Intervention and Prevention, University of Connecticut; retired service chief from the VA Medical Center; and tenured professor in the Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky.
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