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Page 16
2016 Wellness Expo
Lincoln Daily
News.comTuesday, February 16, 2016
The good news is, gum disease
is preventable by brushing 2
minutes 2X daily and flossing
under the gums 1X daily.
What is gum disease?
Gum disease or periodontal
disease begins with plaque,
which is always forming on
our teeth. When it accumulates
and is not removed with proper
brushing and flossing it starts
to cause infection around the
gums. It eventually hardens into
a substance called calculus or
tartar that cannot be removed by
brushing and flossing. It can only
be removed by a professional
cleaning.
Gingivitis is the first stage of
gum disease and means the
gums become red and swollen
and bleed. The gums may be
irritated, but the bone level
around the teeth is good and
teeth are still firmly in place. If
not caught in this early stage,
which is reversible, gingivitis
progresses to periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease means that
the inner layer of the gum and
bone pull away from the teeth
(recede), and form pockets.
These small spaces between
the tooth and the gum collect
debris and become infected. The
body’s immune system fights this
bacteria and the plaque spreads
and grows below the gum line.
Toxins and the body’s enzymes
fighting the infection start
to break down the bone and
connective tissues that hold the
teeth in place. The disease will
progress to where the pockets
deepen and more gum tissue and
bone are destroyed. There is no
longer an anchor for the teeth
and they become loose. The
outcome is tooth loss.
Symptoms of periodontal
disease can be subtle, but not
without early warning signs:
Bleeding during tooth brushing
and or flossing
Red, swollen or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or bad
taste in mouth
Receding gums
Formation of deep pockets
between gums and teeth
Loose or shifting teeth
Periodontal disease can be
easily diagnosed at your routine
dental visit. Your hygienist
or dentist can check the space
between the teeth and gums with
a probe that is like a tiny ruler.
Normal measurements are 1 – 3
millimeters . The bigger the
number the more advanced the
disease process.
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