Each
tooth consists of two parts :- CROWN and ROOT
Normally
only the crown is visible in the mouth. Roots anchor the tooth in
the bone. The GUMS are a specialized type of skin that surrounds
and the teeth and covers the bone holding the teeth.
Normal
Gum tissue appears pink, knife-edged and stippled like an orange
peel. Gum diseases can be divided in two stages :-
Gingivitis
Gingivitis
is a superficial infection that is limited to the gum tissue and
does not yet affect the underlying bone. Gums may have the
following signs :-
-
Redness
and Puffiness
-
Bleeding
when brushed
-
Bad
breath
Treatment
Professional
treatment and good personal home care at this care early stage can
usually arrest the disease.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis
is the stage when the infection spreads from the gums to the
underlying bone. In this stage bone that supports the tooth is
lost. Signs that may warn you of trouble are :-
-
Spaces
begin to appear between teeth.
-
Loosening
of one or more teeth.
-
Recession
of gums.
-
Vague
aching, itching, or other discomfort in the gums
Treatment
In
the early stages professional treatment like scaling by a dental
professional along with good personal home care may curb the
disease. In advanced stages where bone loss is severe and the
infection is deep seated surgical intervention may be necessary.
Cause
Every
day a sticky white film termed as PLAQUE is formed on our teeth.
This plaque is continually spreading mass of disease causing
bacteria and their waste products. When large amounts of plaque is
formed it becomes visible as a fuzzy white film on the tooth
surfaces and around the gum area.
Plaque
and Bacteria produce toxins that damage the gums and the
underlying bone. When plaque is not removed every day by brushing
and flossing it hardens to form calculus [ tartar ] a stony
crust with a pitted, rough surface. Calculus can be removed only
by a dental professional. This calculus further complicates the
existing periodontal disease.
It
is very important that you never let calculus get a start. Floss
and brush away plaque everday. Never let plaque remain long enough
to become calculus.
