Gum Disease

Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease and periodontitis

is an inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding a tooth, and it is the leading cause of tooth loss. Gum disease is usually caused by a buildup of plaque, an invisible sticky layer of germs that forms naturally on the teeth and gums. Gum disease can be sneaky, sometimes causing little or no pain or irritation before permanent damage is done to your teeth. In another words, periodontal disease is a gradual process that starts with the buildup of plaque on teeth and then develops over time, causing swelling, soreness or infection of the tissues supporting the teeth. Once gum disease sets in, the toxins produced by the bacteria damage the teeth's connective tissue and bone, effectively destroying them and fostering tooth loss. Gum disease still remains the most common cause of tooth loss in adults, but it can affect children and adolescents too. Since bone recession is not visible to the naked eye, and if left undetected, may contribute to tooth loss, it is important to visit your dentist for professional examinations and dental cleanings to identify gum disease. Gum disease always requires treatment by a dentist at Fine Quality Dental, in Los Algodones, BC, Mexico.
To evaluate for hidden gum disease your dentist at Fine Quality Dental will recommend x-rays and periodontal probing.
There are a number of causes of gum disease, each of which can be corrected and controlled:

• Improper Dental Hygiene: If plaque is not removed through daily dental hygiene practices and regular professional dental cleanings, bacteria may set in and cause gingivitis, which may eventually result in gum disease.
• Smoking: According to the American Dental Association (ADA), people who smoke cigarettes and chew tobacco are more likely to have plaque and tartar buildup and to show signs of advanced gum disease. Not only does smoking lead to bad breath and stained, yellowed teeth but recent research also shows that smoking is a leading cause of gum disease.
• Organic Changes in the Mouth: Changes that occur in metabolism and hormone levels, such as; during pregnancy, puberty and menopause may affect the organic balance in the mouth, and make teeth more susceptible to gum disease.
• Certain medications known as Saliva Flow Inhibitors: that produce oral side effects or dry mouth syndrome (xerostomia) may contribute to a reduction of protective saliva flow, and potentially to gum disease.
• Poor Functional Habits: Teeth grinding or clenching may impair the surrounding tissue and is a possible contributor to gum disease.
• Association between illnesses: The Center for Disease Control has found an association between certain illnesses such as diabetes, stroke and heart attack with gum disease. While the exact mechanism which links gum disease and cardiovascular disease has not been firmly established, the association between the two disease entities is cause for concern.

Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing.
• Red, swollen, or tender gums.
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth.
• Receding gums.
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums.
• Loose or shifting teeth.
• Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.

Gum Treatment
Periodontal treatment is performed when a patient has gum disease. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, a condition marked by red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. The good news is that early gum disease is almost always reversible -- which is why dentist warn patients with tender gums and deeper-than-normal pockets to brush and floss religiously. In the advanced stages, gum disease is called Periodontitis, which is an inflammation around the tooth. Plaque accumulates below the gums affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth, causing them to fall or loosen out. There are various types of treatment available depending on the severity of gum disease. After scaling, follow-up involves monitoring the size of the gum pockets over several months to make sure the gum disease is not getting worse. Very advanced gum disease can cause gum pockets that are too deep for treatment by simple scaling. Gum surgery and/or bone graft might be indicated.

Dental Laser
Dental Laser gum treatment is an advanced method to eliminate and control the bacteria under the gum, with the intention of avoiding gum surgery. It is a painless and convenient treatment for the patient; even though it might need more that one treatment session.

Early detection of gum disease, good professional care, and proper oral hygiene with Fine Quality Dental oral health care specialists will guarantee a lifetime of healthy teeth and beautiful gums.

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