The Progression of Gum Disease

GUM DISEASE PROGRESSES IN STAGES: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis

If you have been told that you have gum disease, you are with an estimated 80% of Americans over the age of 35 that have some form of gum disease.

GINGIVITIS:
Without daily brushing and flossing of your teeth to remove bacteria in the mouth, plaque builds up at the gumline and causes an inflammation of the gums. Plaque is sticky and colorless, but regular brushing and flossing help remove it. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form bacteria harbouring tartar that brushing does not clean.(1) You may notice some bleeding during brushing and flossing. At this early stage of gum disease, damage can be reversed, since the bone and connective tissue that hold the teeth in place are not yet affected. Left unchecked, gingivitis may evolve into serious gum diesase known as periodontitis. Scheduling regular professional cleaning with your dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar and help reverse the mild stage of gum disease.

PERIODONTITIS:
When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to periodontitis. Periodontitis means "inflammation around the tooth." At the early stage, the supporting bone and fibers that hold your gums and teeth in place are irreversibly damaged. The gums begin to pull away from the bone and form"pockets." The pockets that form below the gumline can trap food and plaque. If you do not seek dental treatment and if you do not maintain routine in-home dental care, as the periodontitis advances, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are steadily destroyed.

ADVANCED PERIODONTITIS:
in this final stage of gum disease, the fibers and bone supporting your teeth are destroyed, which can cause your teeth to shift or loosen. This can affect your bite and, if aggressive treatment can't save them, teeth may need to be removed. Tooth loss may thus compromise your nutritional health by making it difficult to eat certain foods which in turn can have a harmful effects on the body’s general health.

SIGNS OF PERIODONTITIS

Signs of periodontitis, a more advanced stage of chronic gum disease, include the presence of gum ulceration, gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, permanent teeth that are loose or separating, any change in the fit of your teeth when biting, any change in the fit of partial dentures, and recurring bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Regular visits to your dental professional can help to prevent periodontitis from developing.

Gum disease can occur at any age, but it is most common among adults. If gum disease is detected in its early stages, damage may be reversed so see your dentist if you notice any of the following symptoms:(3)

• Red, puffy, swollen, or tender gums
• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Loose teeth
• Painful chewing
• Pus from your gums
• Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

TO PREVENT PERIODONTITIS

• Brushing and rinsing your teeth regularly. Dr. Nick's WHITE & healthy products not only whiten your teeth, but Dr. Nick's unique patented formula of the toothpaste and mouthwash help to fight germs that cause bad breath and can lead to gum disease. Dr. Nick's WHITE & healthy toothpaste and mouthwash are dentist formulated from natural ingredients, are alcohol free, and mitigates symptoms of periodontal disease.

• Daily flossing to clean in between teeth where brushing cannot reach

• Visit a dentist regurly for check-ups and cleaning

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Also if you have problems with gums increase vitamin C consumption, which helps wounds heal, strengthens blood vessels, prevents cataract formation, builds connective tissue, healthy gums, skin and promotes strong teeth and bones. Vitamin C may also boost immunity and protect cells from free radical damage.(4)

• Avoid tobacco products

TREATMENT OF PERIODONTITIS

Periodontitis can only be treated by a dental professional. Treatment is typically aimed at:
• Eliminating the plaque and bacteria that cause periodontitis
• Slowing the progression of periodontitis

Dental professionals may use a deep-cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing to loosen and remove the plaque and bacteria that are present in the pockets caused by periodontitis.

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.

Following the professional cleaning, it is important for the patient to maintain good oral health by utilizing the same regimen followed to help prevent gingivitis.

Dr. Nick's WHITE & healthy products not only whiten your teeth, but Dr. Nick's unique patented formula of the toothpaste and mouthwash help to fight germs that cause bad breath and can lead to gum disease.

Dr. Nick's WHITE & healthy toothpaste and mouthwash are dentist formulated from natural ingredients, are alcohol free, and mitigates symptoms of periodontal disease.

SYSTEMIC IMPLICATIONS

Periodontal diseases have been linked to a variety of conditions with systemic implications. Studies have demonstrated an association between periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, HIV and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Periodontitis can cause tooth loss and may thus compromise your nutritional health by making it difficult to eat certain foods which in turn can have a harmful effects on the body’s general health.

Dr. Nick's WHITE & healthy products not only help you to maintain the health of your mouth but with continued use, you can help to maintain care for your body.

RESOURCES

(1) Periodontal (gum) Disease: Cuses, Symptoms, and Treatments
(2) Periodontitis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(3) Periodontitis - Mayo Clinic.com
(4) Healthy Food For Healthy Gums::Teeth Care, Healthy Food and Dental Tourism

HEALTH TOPICS

Your Mouth Is A Doorway To Your Body's Health!

Inflammation & Gum Disease - What is Gingivitis?

The Progression of Gum Disease

Exploring Diseases Linked To Oral Health: Cardiovascular Disease