Gum (Gingival disease)





75% of the population suffers from gum disease but a large percentage is not aware of it.
-Gum disease if not treated may ultimately lead to losing of teeth.
-Gum disease may initially be painless and as a result you may not know about it.
-Do you know that latest studies have shown that HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) can be passed by kissing between two people who have advanced gum disease?
Gum diseases are very common in Puberty, Pregnancy, it can be due to Traumatic Bite or Drug Induced and can also be because other systemic diseases.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE
Do your gums bleed when you brush, floss or use a toothpick?
Are your gums red, swollen, enlarged and painful?
Do you have pus coming from between your gums and teeth if you push on your gums?
Are your gums pulling away from your teeth?
Do you feel any change in biting or chewing?
Do your teeth look longer (receding gums)?
Are your teeth loose?
Do you have bad breath?
If you wear a partial denture does it still fit the same?

If any of these statements are true then you may have a problem with your gums.You should visit your dentist and get yourself examined and do as your dentist says. Probably you may need some X-Rays and other investigations followed by Dental Treatment as recommended by your Dentist. Do not worry ? Get it done as a "stitch in time saves nine".
STAGES OF GUM DISEASE
Gum Disease (Gingival Disease) is an inflammation or infection that attacks the gums and bone holding your teeth in place. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque,(studies are going on since many years regarding plaque, scientist have named this as BIOFILM ) the sticky, nearly colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. In its early stages gum disease is called gingivitis. Its later more serious stage is called periodontitis or pyorrhoea, gum disease can be treated in ways ranging from cleaning to surgery, but it can be prevented by regular brushing, flossing and professional cleaning.


Healthy gums are firm and don't bleed. Tiny fibers hold teeth tightly to the gums and underlying bone. The gums fit snugly aronnd the teeth, so plaque can be removed from below the gumline only by flossing and professional cleanings.
The early stage of gum disease is gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the gums. Plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) have built up at the gumline. The gums have become red and puffy and may bleed during brushing or flossing. The bone and fibers holding the tooth in place are unaffected at this stage, so damage can be reversed.
At this stage (periodontitis), plaque has moved deeper along the tooth and started an infection that has damaged the bone and fibers supporting the tooth. The gums may separate from the tooth and start to recede. A pocket has formed below the gumline that traps plaque and food debris, perhaps causing persistent bad breath. Treatment can stop further damage.
In advanced periodontitis, plaque caused infection has destroyed more than half of the bone and fibers holding the tooth in place. The gums have receded and separated from the tooth and may be painful. The tooth may shift or loosen, and the bite may change. If treatment can't save the tooth, it may have to be removed and replaced to prevent further damage.
TREATMENT
Latest Techniques Used in Cases of Tissue & Bone Loss are

GTR (Guided Tissue Regeneration) It is done by using resorbable & non-resorbable membrane.

GBR (Guided Bone Regeneration) Various bone grafting materials like: Allografts, Xenografts & Alloplasts are available & used with or without barriers/membranes.

PERIODONTITIS

GINGIVAL HYPERPLASIA
(Caused by Anti-Epileptic drug.)
    
HOW TO PREVENT GUM DISEASE
Certain preventive measures are known to prevent the re-settling of plaque at the gum-line and therefore, reduce the risk of gum disease. You must practice these good dental habits:

BRUSHING: Brush your teeth twice a day. Hold a soft brush at the gum line at a 45* angle. Brush in a circular motion to massage the gums and an up-down motion to dislodge plaque. Do this gently on the outer as well as inner surfaces of teeth. Replace your brush every 3 or 4 months.

FLOSS: Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth. Take about 18" of floss and wrap most of it around your middle finger and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand, leaving a 2" length between them. Using your thumb and forefinger, gently scrape the side of each tooth away from the gum.

DISCLOSING SOLUTIONS: Use Disclosing Solutions to detect plaque after brushing and rebrush the area where plaque is visible.

RINSE: Rinse your mouth with water thoroughly after each meal. Rinse for a minute everyday with mouthwash.

HOME CARE
  1. Clean plaque and gum line.
  2. Brush twice daily in the morning and at bedtime, with a floride based tootpaste.
  3. Use Disclosing Solutions to detect plaque after brushing and rebrush the area where plaque is visible.
  4. Gargle & rinse after every meal.
  5. Floss once daily to reach where your tooth brush cannot. Interdental brushes and high speed water jets called water piks are a great help. They help to remove all food particles from between the teeth.
  6. Eat correctly, Less starchy and sugary foods and more fibre in diet. Drink plenty of water.
  7. Avoid tobacco, cigrettes and snuffs. They may contribute to gum disease or oral cancer,
  8. Do not grind your teeth -- so that there is no undue pressure on the teeth and their support.
  9. Have regular check-ups.
  10. Ask your dentist to correct problems like: faulty filling, defective bite or crowded teeth.
  11. Ask your dentist about medical conditions or drugs that can contribute to gum disease. These include pregnancy, diabetes and drugs like certain anti-depressants, anti-epileptic. AIDS and other dangerous diseases of the blood can cause gum diseases.
The majority of people loose their teeth not due to old age but simple by lack of knowledge. Nip the disease early in order to have a lifetime of strong and healthy teeth.