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Gum Disease
Also known as periodontal disease, this condition is extremely widespread among people age 40 and over. Caused by the growth of bacteria beneath the gum line, gum disease is a chronic and painful inflammation of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. It's also the most prevalent cause of tooth loss in people over age 40.
The earliest stage of gum disease is gingivitis, an inflammation caused by dental plaque buildup. Developing gingivitis is a sign that you need to change your dental care habits immediately, since ignoring it often leads to gum recession, loose teeth, and changes in tooth position. This in turn can lead to painful changes in bite formation, making eating especially awkward and painful.
Adult periodontitis may follow gingivitis. This painful condition involves the formation of periodontal pockets more than 3 millimeters deep between the gum and the tooth. Loss of connective tissue structures, loss of bone, and inflamed gums may accompany this stage of gum disease. As with gingivitis, this condition is caused by bacteria.
Depending on its severity, gum disease symptoms may include bad breath, a persistent bad taste in the mouth, or bleeding, swollen, red, or tender gums. While some patients are prescribed antibiotics to kill the bacteria in their gums, others find that their condition improves once when they start brushing, flossing, and rinsing their mouths with antibacterial washes after every meal and first thing in the morning.
The good news is that gum disease is largely preventable through proper dental hygiene. This includes annual check-ups, twice-yearly teeth cleaning, and brushing after every meal. Daily flossing and antibacterial mouthwashes are two other preventive measures that help minimize dental plaque buildup and keep gums and teeth in top form.
If you have a family history of gum disease, tell your dentist. He or she may refer you to a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating gum disease. Your dentist may also recommend electric toothbrushes that are good for stimulating the gums and cleaning between teeth.
Chlorhexidine (klor-HEX-i-deen) implants are recommended for some people with gum disease. Ask your dentist if these might be appropriate for you. Chlorhexidine implants help kill the bacteria that cause gum disease. After cleaning your teeth thoroughly, your dentist will insert as many as eight implants between teeth and gums in places where the gum has a deep pocket.
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