Gingival diseases

Gingival diseases
Gum disease are common among Canadian adults. However, a good dental hygiene can usually avoid this kind of problem. If we react quickly, you can prevent the disease to progress, even the overthrow of appropriate treatment.

Background
The gum disease can occur at any age. It often develops slowly and painlessly. If you remember, you already run the risk of losing teeth.

These are the gums and bone that hold teeth. The place where the gum sticks to the tooth, just below the edge of the gums, called the point of attachment. This is where the infection attack when plaque, a sticky white substance that contains bacteria (germs), forms on teeth and gums. The plaque is deposited every day in the teeth if we do not remove it with a toothbrush and floss, it hardens and forms tartar (or calculation).

Tartar resists brushing and flossing and can lead to chronic infection at the point of attachment. The surface is rough scale, therefore, in addition to irritate the gums, it can accelerate the accumulation of plaque.

Symptoms of gum disease
At the beginning of the disease, there is talk of gingivitis. The gums may be slightly red and bleed when you brush your teeth, but otherwise the symptoms may go unnoticed. At this point, we can still reverse the process with good dental hygiene. If left untreated, gingivitis can worsen and your gums may begin to bleed when you eat a food drive, like an apple.

As gingivitis progresses, an infection develops at the point of attachment and is accompanied by the following symptoms: swollen gums, traces of blood on the toothbrush, discoloration of gums. Nevertheless, it is possible that you feel no pain.

If left untreated, the infection can gradually destroy the gums, bones and connective tissues. You may notice swelling, bleeding or discoloration of the gum. Your teeth may become mobile and fall. It may be that you had to resolve to uproot them by a professional.

Fortunately, a professional can detect gum disease at the early signs and treat it. Using an instrument called a probe, your dentist can measure the distance between the gum and the point of attachment. If the attachment is not located just below the edge of the gums is a sign of gum disease. An X-ray will allow the professional to determine if bone loss around teeth and, if so, whether it can save the tooth or is out.

If gum disease is severe, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist. It specializes in treatment of gum disease and may prevent bone loss and loss of additional teeth or, in some cases, restore the bone and gum tissue destroyed.

Gingival diseases threaten the overall health
The health of your gums and your teeth is important for your overall health, your well-being and your appearance. In the most advanced stage, the gum disease can cause pain, abscesses, difficulty eating, bad breath and tooth loss.

There is a strong link between gum disease and diabetes. Diabetes is more likely to suffer from gum disease and this disease may affect the severity of diabetes, which increases the risk of diabetic complications later in life.

The bacteria that form plaque can lodge in the lungs where it can cause infection or aggravate existing lung disorders, especially among older adults. This can occur even if you do not suffer a severe gum disease, but you have a lot of plaque.

Researchers are trying to determine if pregnant women suffering from gum disease, including gingivitis, are more likely to give birth to premature babies and low weight. Even if the study continues, it remains important that pregnant women take care of their gums and their teeth.

Risk Factors
Here are some factors other than the plaque, which increases the risk of developing gum disease:

Smoking. Apart from the risk of serious illnesses, including cancer, lung disease and heart disease, smoking increases the risk of gum disease.
Hormonal changes. Women are particularly vulnerable to gum disease during hormonal changes, including puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause.
Nutrition. A diet deficient can increase the risk of gum disease.
Medicines. Some medications may increase the risk of gum disease, including oral contraceptives, and hypotensive antiarthritiques.
Reducing Risks
The best way to keep your gums and teeth healthy is to care and to report regularly to the dentist.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque and move the floss once a day. An antimicrobial mouthwash can also be used in combination with brushing and daily use of dental floss to reduce bacterial film in your mouth. Brushing and flossing are more important if you already have gum disease.
Regularly examine your teeth and gums by a professional who will carry out cleaning to remove tartar.
Regularly check your gums and your teeth to detect symptoms of gum disease:
red and swollen gums
pain in the gums
Blood on the toothbrush or dental floss
Persistent bad breath
Mobile teeth
teeth that have shifted in a short period
If you have any of these symptoms, consult your dentist immediately.

Stop smoking. For information about programs and strategies to help you stop, see Find out more. You not only reduce the risk of gum disease, but also the many other diseases.
Inspire you Canada's Food Guide to adjust your plan.
Tell your dental professional medicines you take.
Role of Health Canada
The Office of the dentist is the gateway to Health Canada for any issue related to oral health. Its mandate is to educate the Canadian people with good dental hygiene habits and improve their oral health. As oral health and general health are closely related, take care of his mouth can improve overall health.