What Is Gum (Periodontal) Disease?
Periodontal disease affects the gums, bone and other supporting tissues of the teeth. Although most individuals suffer gum inflammation from time to time, around 10% of the population appear to suffer from the more severe forms of the disease which cause loss of supporting bone. This group appears to be at greatest risk of losing teeth through periodontal disease. It is caused by the bacteria which regularly collect on the teeth.
Why Do Some People Get It And Not Others?
Around 10% of the population is susceptible. Our knowledge is improving all the time of why this is, although 3 major factors are thought to be responsible. Family history, stress and smoking are all important risk factors. Stopping smoking is an important part of reducing the risk of developing the disease. Certain general diseases such as diabetes may also make an indivdual more susceptible.
How Do I Know If I Have It?
The signs and symptoms of periodontal disease vary significantly but may include gums that bleed when brushing, together with signs of more advanced disease such as movement or drifting of the teeth. However, it is possible to have the disease and not be aware of these signs. It is essential to see your dentist regularly so that special assessment techniques, sometimes including x-rays, can be carried out as part of your routine dental examinations.
Daily Oral Care To Treat Gum Disease:
In addition to the normal care routine to prevent decay (see the Adult care page), do the following once a day:
This should take you around ten minutes and it is very important to do this every day.
It is normal to expect bleeding and tenderness when you first start. This is because your gums are inflamed, however this will subside with time as your gums get back to health.
- Use a round headed Oral-B electric toothbrush
- Brush your teeth without toothpaste for 2 minutes
- Clean between the teeth to below the gum line - use dental floss and use interdental brushes in between each tooth (the biggest size brush that fits)
- Use a single-tufted brush to push the bristles up beneath the gum line
This should take you around ten minutes and it is very important to do this every day.
It is normal to expect bleeding and tenderness when you first start. This is because your gums are inflamed, however this will subside with time as your gums get back to health.