|
|
|
|
Do you think gum disease is something that only happens to people
your grandparents' age? Think again! Teens can get gum disease too,
and it can cause problems from the simply embarrassing (like bad
breath) to the serious - like pain and tooth loss (which is both
embarrassing and serious!). |
Gum
disease is also known as periodontal (pronounced: per-ee-oh-don-tul)
disease.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues and bone that support the teeth. Untreated gum disease can become very serious, causing teeth to become loose or fall out.
Gum disease is usually caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Plaque contains bacteria, which produce toxins that irritate and damage the gums.
Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. That's why brushing and flossing every day - and regular trips to the dentist - are so important. |
Gum
disease progresses in stages. Believe it or not, more than half
of teens have some form of gum disease.
Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush your teeth? Chances are
you already have the mildest form of gum disease. Bleeding gums
are usually a sign of gingivitis (pronounced: jin-juh-vy-tus), the
mildest form of gum disease. Other warning signs of gingivitis include
gum tenderness, redness, or puffiness.
If plaque from teeth and gums isn't removed by good daily dental care, over time it will harden into a crust called calculus or tartar. Once tartar forms, it starts to destroy gum tissue, causing gums to bleed and pull away from the teeth. This is known as periodontitis (pronounced: per-ee-oh-don-ty-tus), a more advanced form of gum disease.
What should you do to avoid these problems? See your dentist if you notice any of these signs of gum disease:
1) bleeding of the gums that occurs regularly when brushing or flossing
2) discoloration of gums (healthy gums should look pink and firm,
not red, swollen, or tender).
3) any sign of gums pulling away from teeth.
4) bad breath that won't go away.
5) loose teeth |
Tracking It Down and Treating It
|
Some
of the ways dentists and periodontists may treat periodontitis are:
1) Scaling or root planing ---> These deep-cleaning measures
involve scraping and removing plaque and tartar from teeth above
and below the gum line.
2) Antibiotics -->These and other medications are often used
together with scaling and root planing to stop the spread of infection
and inflammation in the mouth. They come in several different forms
that range from medicated mouthwashes to antibiotic-containing gels
or fibers that are placed in gum pockets to slowly kill bacteria
and help gums to heal.
3) Surgery -->Advanced cases of periodontitis may require a dentist
to open and clean badly diseased gum pockets, then stitch the gums
back into place to fit more snugly around the teeth.
4) Gingival grafting --> If gum tissue is too diseased to sew back together, a dentist removes healthy gum tissue from another part of the mouth and stitches it into place. The graft replaces the diseased tissue and helps to anchor the teeth, giving them an improved appearance.
|
1)
Brush twice a day for at least 3 minutes each time (about the length
of your favorite song), and floss daily. If you're not sure whether
you're brushing or flossing properly, your dentist or dental hygienist
can show you the best techniques.
2) Always brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride; some dentists
also recommend daily mouth rinses containing fluoride.
3) Use a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles, as these are less
likely to irritate or injure gum tissue. Be sure to replace your
toothbrush at least every 3 to 4 months - a worn-out toothbrush
can injure your gums. (Some toothbrush brands contain color indicators
on the bristles to remind you to replace them when they become worn.)
4) Eat a healthy diet. Avoid snacks and junk foods packed with sugar
that plaque-causing bacteria love to feed on.
5) Don't smoke! Cigarettes and chewing tobacco cause mouth irritation
and are very unhealthy for gums and teeth.
6) Regular dental care is extremely important in helping to keep
your mouth healthy. Visit your dentist for routine care - especially
cleaning - at least twice a year. Your dentist can remove hardened
plaque and any tartar that you're not getting to with brushing or
flossing.
|
|
