Gum Diseases

WHAT IS GUM DISEASE & ARE YOU AT RISK?

Did you know that more than 75% of all adults in Asia have gum disease? -Many people have gum disease and are not even aware they have this problem. Did you know that gum disease is the #1 reason adults lose their teeth -Gum disease is a "silent" disease-until your teeth become loose and fall out--many people do not know they have it and how seriously they do. Did you know that HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) can be passed by kissing between two people who have advanced gum disease? -A recent report indicated that a young woman in a relationship with a man who had HIV, caught AIDS from kissing him. Both people had moderate to advanced periodontal disease and it is believed that she caught the AIDS because of a direct blood transfer between their diseased gums.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE

Do your gums bleed when you brush, floss or use a toothpick?

Are your gums red, swollen 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?

Has there been a change in the way your teeth come together when you bite or chew on food?

Do your teeth look longer because of 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 an evaluation and schedule an appointment. You may need more than just a routine cleaning for your teeth to get your gums healthy again.

A thorough evaluation of your gums and your overall dental health includes a comprehensive examination, a complete set of x-rays, and periodontal probing.If there is bone loss and deep pocketing you may need non-surgical periodontal or surgical periodontal care.

THE VARIOUS STAGES OF GUM DISEASE

These are healthy teeth, gums and bone. The instrument is a periodontal probe and in healthy gum it should only go 1-3mm (marks) into the gum. Regular checkups with professional cleanings will help keep you in good gum health.

These are teeth, gums and bone that have gingivitis-the early stage of gum disease. Notice the gum is red and puffy, and there is plaque and tartar building up around the gum. There is no bone loss, yet. The probe measures 3-5 mm into the spacebetween the teeth and gum. Gingivitis can be reversed with proper treatment.

This is periodontitis, the plaque and calculus spreads down the root infecting the bone and the ligament holding the tooth into the jaw. This causes the gums and bone to recede away from the tooth. The space between the tooth and the gum measures more than 5 mm and traps food and more plaque under the gum. With proper treatment you can prevent further damage.

This is advanced gum disease. The infection has destroyed most of the bone around the tooth. The plaque and tartar has covered the tooth well below the gum and on the roots. The gums receede even further, the teeth become loose and can shift causing your bite to change. The pocket between the tooth and the gum is more than 8 mm. You are at great risk of losing your teeth.