You know good dental
habits can help prevent things like cavities and gingivitis, but you may not
know what conditions like these really look like or how they can affect your
mouth. Use this visual guide to learn more about some of the most common dental
health issues, symptoms to watch for and the potential treatments that are
available. Please note: This content is
for informational purposes only. Only a dentist, physician or other qualified
health care professional can make a diagnosis.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is the earliest stage
of gum disease, an infection of the
tissues around your teeth caused by plaque. If you have gingivitis, your gums
may become red, swollen and bleed easily. You may also
experience bad breath. Because gum disease
is usually painless, you may not know you have it.
You are more likely to develop gum disease if you skip brushing and flossing, use tobacco, have crooked teeth
that are hard to keep clean, are pregnant, have diabetes or take certain
medications. When in its early stages, the disease is still reversible and your
gums can be returned to good health with a professional cleaning from your
dentist, along with daily brushing and flossing.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis
is the more advanced form of gum disease, a major cause of
tooth loss in adults. According to the CDC, nearly half of U.S.
adults suffer from it. The disease can be reversed in early stages, but damage
may be permanent the longer it goes untreated. Although you may not be aware of
the gum disease in your mouth, abscesses can develop which
usually painful. Symptoms include bleeding, swollen gums,
persistent bad breath or bad taste, loose
permanent teeth and a change in bite. Your teeth may appear to become longer as
gums and bone recede. There are many treatments available, including deep cleanings known as scaling and
root planing. Talk to your dentist to find out what’s best for you.
Thrush
Thrush is a yeast infection
that looks like white film in your mouth. You’re more likely to get thrush if
you have an illness that affects your immune system. This includes people with
HIV/AIDS or cancer, as well as people
using steroids to manage their asthma. People with untreated or uncontrolled diabetes are also susceptible
because sugar in saliva encourages yeast to grow. Thrush is also common in
people who wear dentures. If you have
symptoms, see your dentist. After a scraping to confirm you have thrush, your
dentist can prescribe medicine to clear it up.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.
Many medical professionals consider obesity to be a chronic disease. It is well understood that obesity is on the rise in the United States, and that younger and younger members of our community are becoming obese due to poor nutrition and eating habits. Research has demonstrated that obesity will increase the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, CVD, respiratory problems, and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.1 It has also been demonstrated in a recent research study that obesity also increases the risk for periodontal disease, and it may be insulin resistance that regu¨lates the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease.1 It has also been found that individuals with elevated body mass indices (BMI) produce a higher level of inflammatory proteins.1
The classifications of being overweight and obese can pertain to more than 60 percent of American adults. It is even higher for some high-risk populations, such as African-American women, placing these individuals at greater risk for diabetes and cardiovascular dis¨ease. Some authorities estimate that two out of three Americans are overweight or obese, and projections of obesity trends for the future indicate an increase in the incidence of obesity in the general population.1
It is very critical for individuals to understand the obesity epidemic and to take proactive steps in addressing this issue with themselves and family members who are obese. Good nutrition and exercise should be stressed and individuals should be educated on the role that obesity may play in the development of diabetes, CVD and cancer.
The dental professional will take a thorough medical history and review any medical issues which may point to the cause for the obesity and refer the patient to his/her physician for evaluation. The oral health status will also be evaluated and treatment rendered based on the diagnosis. Emphasis will be placed on the reduction of the plaque and accompanying inflammation, both above and below the gumline. Home care should be reinforced, and patients should be encouraged to floss regularly and to brush twice daily with a toothpaste that offers antibacterial protection.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.
Laser Treatment for Advanced Gum Disease
With the latest advancements in dentistry, an FDA-approved laser can treat gum disease without a patient having to go through surgery. The effectiveness of the laser is considered nothing short of miraculous. It is a minimally invasive procedure that patients find easy and virtually painless.
Our laser is not only effective but safe and actually helps to regenerate bone loss from years of infected gums. We are very skilled in using the laser to provide positive results and return your gums to a healthy state.
Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com
Easier Options for Reversing Gum Disease
When treatment for gum disease begins in the earlier stages, there are options of nonsurgical methods to halt the problem and return the gums to a healthy state when coupled with improved daily dental hygiene. When the infection is advanced, surgery may be the only option. Both surgical and nonsurgical approaches are covered by most insurance plans.
Alegria Dental Care
Stefanie Sunnes, DMD
General Dentist
7555 Bellaire Blvd., Ste. F
Houston, TX 7703
(713) 981-6055
AlegriaDentalCare.com
What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing.
Who Can Get Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable. It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest treatment options.
Gingivitis Symptoms
Some symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, learn what you can do to protect against gingivitis.
To read the entire article visit OralB.com.
Gum Disease Can Lead to More Than Tooth Loss
Medical research has made a startling conclusion about gum disease: it can affect serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. Bacterial infection of the gums is now considered a more serious problem than simply the possibility of losing your teeth.
Even more alarming is the statistic provided by The American Dental Association. They have estimated that 80% of the adult American population has gum disease at some level. Dentists now consider this oral problem an epidemic.
The American Academy of Periodontology reports that “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.” The bacteria in the gums travel in the bloodstream to vital organs, having a potentially harmful effect on them.
The Number One Cause of Tooth Loss
Many people think that most teeth are lost due to decay. But the main reason is periodontal (gum) disease. The symptoms are bleeding gums from brushing or flossing and also loose or shifting teeth. Sometimes there are no signs of infected gums until it reaches an advanced stage.
When gum disease is treated in the early stages, there are nonsurgical options to take care of the problem; otherwise, surgery may be necessary if the condition is advanced.
