Guide Note: Gum Disease is an infection of the gums that if allowed to progress can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease begins with plaque, a sticky film that forms on your teeth from bacteria. Brushing removes plaque but it reforms quickly. Plaque left on the teeth hardens into tarter and makes removing plaque more difficult. The longer plaque and tarter remain on your teeth the more damage they do and eventually will cause gum diseases.

The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis. Gingivitis is very common affecting around 75% of adults over 35. Gingivitis left untreated can turn into periodontitis. Periodontitis involves both the gums and bones and your gums will become detached from your teeth. Eventually the dental plaque that builds up will destroy the bones that support the teeth resulting in tooth loss. Where gingivitis can be completely reversed, periodontitis can't because the loss of supporting tissue which can not be rebuilt.

Dental hygiene is very important to avoid gum disease. Flossing, brushing and regular dental check ups are your first defense. Fast Facts:

Also known as periodontal disease
Periodontal means around the gums
Periodontal disease # 1 cause of tooth loss
Different types
Stress can contribute to gum disease
Can be caused by poor nutrition
Some medications affect oral health
Sometimes no symptoms present
Progressive loss of bone, gums, and tissue
Risk Factors: Smoking, Diabetes, genetics, pregnancy, puberty
30% of the population genetically susceptible

Symptoms:

Swollen red gums
Bleeding
Gums pull away from teeth
New spaces between teeth
Pus between teeth and gums
Bad breath
Loose teeth

Disclaimer: The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Gum Disease, please consult your doctor or dentist.

Categories

Health | Diseases | Dental

View Note History

Gum Disease

The Mahalo Top 7

American Academy of Periodontology (AAP): Periodontal (Gum) Diseases
MedlinePlus: Gum Disease
American Dental Association (ADA): Periodontal (Gum) Diseases
Wikipedia: Periodontitis
eMedicineHealth: Gum Periodontal (Gum) Disease
Simple Steps: Periodontal Disease: The Sequence of Destruction
Food and Drug Administration: Fighting Gum Disease: How to Keep Your Teeth

Gum Disease News

Google News: Gum Disease Search
Reuters: Gum disease linked with gestational diabetes risk (April 9, 2008)
HealthDay: Gum Disease, HPV a Double Whammy (April 4, 2008)
Reuters: Scientists Bringing Bad Breath Out Of The Closet (August 25, 2007)
AAP: Stress May Leave Your Mouth a Mess (August 8, 2007)
New York Times: Vicious Cycle of Gum Disease, Bone Loss and Cancer (May 22, 2007)
Washington University: Sunlight Exposure May Help Prevent Periodontal Disease (October 5, 2005)

Gum Disease Facts

KidsHealth: Gum Disease
Simple Steps: Types of Periodontal Disease
AAP: Facts and Fallacies About Periondontal (Gum) Disease
ADA: Gum Disease (Periodontal Diseases) Frequently Asked Questions
Colgate: Periodontal Disease

Gum Disease Causes, Symptoms and Complications

MayoClinic.com: Periodontitis Signs and Symptoms | Causes | Complications
WebMD: Gum Disease - Cause | Symptoms
AAP: Connections Between Gum Disease and Other Health Problems
HowStuffWorks: Periodontal Disease In-Depth - Complications

Gum Disease Treatment Options

Simple Steps: Antimicrobial Therapy
Food and Drug Administration (FDA): FDA Approves Oral Rinse to Help Treat Gingivitis (April 18, 2005)
AAP: Periodontal Procedures
Consumer Guide to Dentistry: Gum Disease Treatments

Gum Disease Holistic and Alternative Treatment

Alternative-Medicine-and-Health.com: Periodontal Disease
MayoClinic.com: Gingivitis: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Alive: Gum Disease
MotherNature.com: Tartar and Plaque: 24 Tooth-Care Tips

Gum Disease Prevention

Colgate: Periodontal Disease Causes and Prevention
HealthAtoZ: Dental Health: Tips for Preventing Periodontal Disease
ADA: Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums (Oral Hygiene)

Gum Disease Scientific and Medical Journal Articles

PubMed Central Search: Gum Disease
Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Search: Periodontal Disease
Journal of Periodontology: A Systematic Review of Stress and Psychological Factors... (2007)
New England Journal of Medicine: Treatment of Periodontal Disease and the Risk of.. (November 2, 2006)
JAMA: Periodontal Disease and Coronary Heart Disease Risk (September 20, 2000)

Gum Disease Clinical Trials

ClinicalTrial.gov: Gum Disease Clinical Trials
CenterWatch: Gum Disease Clinical Trials
Comprehensive Center for Inflammatory Disorders: Clinical Trials

Gum Disease Discussion and Blogs

Dentistry.com: Periodontal Disease Forum
MedHelp: Gum Disease Posts

Related Searches

Fluoride | Halitosis | Root Canal | Tooth Decay | Tooth Whitening | Wisdom Tooth Removal | Gingivitis | Dental Plaque

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