G ummy Smile
Q.
“I always cover my smile with my hand because I have a “gum my smile ”. I heard this can be fixed. What’ s involved?”
A.
My compliments on your proactive stance. It is not dental insurance, per se, that is the best way to achieve good oral health. It is having a commitment to maintaining a healthy mouth that will allow you to enjoy a confident smile.
The best way to start with this commitment is by understanding what it is you are trying to avoid in addition to what you are striving to achieve. Let’s begin with the typical sequence of how problems occur in the first place. • Oral Bacteria: All humans harbor certain bacteria. Some bacteria are harmful but some are also good for us, such as the bacteria in your gut thataidsindigestion.In our mouths, bacteria can quickly become a problem. This warm, moist environment supports daily bacteria growth. While harmful bacteria in the mouth cannot be prevented altogether, the problem begins when too much bacteria are allowed to accumulate. •Plaque: Without proper brushing, flossing, saliva flow and diet, oral bacteria can reproduce rapidly. Their accumulation over the course of a day forms the sticky film you feel on tee that the end of a day before brushing. This is known as plaque. •Tar tar( or Calculus ): It takes only a day or so for plaque to harden into tartar (also known as calculus ). Tartar is a colony of oral bacteria that cements itself to tooth surfaces. Like plaque, tartar will continually reproduce and amass as the bacteria feed onto othe name land tender gum tissues. • Gingivitis: This is the initial stage of gum disease. At this level, gum tissues are under attack and become sore. They might bleed easily when brushing and you may experience minor swelling in some areas that seems to resolve on its own. Don ’t be fooled ... the infection present has not goneaway. Ithas simply become less obvious for the moment. Your breath may not feel fresh. At this point, with proper measures, you can restore your gums to a healthy state. However, there is minimal opportunity to be able to conquer gingivitis and hal tits progression to a move advanced form of gum disease. • Periodontal (Gum) Disease: At this level, gum tissues may have become inflamed and tender. You may notice your gums have darkened in color from a healthy pink. The gums may also begin to pull away from the base of some teeth. Persistent bad breath is often a symptom. As gum disease progresses, pus pockets will form under the gum line but they will not be obvious to you. Without specialized treatment, teeth will eventually loosen and may require removal.
Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth los s in the U.S . Even worse, the bacteria can enter the blood stream through weakened gum tissues. This infectious bacteria has been found to trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body. Research has linked it to heart disease, stroke, some cancers, high blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, pr et er mb a bies , erectile dysfunction (ED) and more.
Obviously, the bacteria of periodontal disease is potent stuff and potentially destructive to areas far beyond the mouth. Sadly, nearly half of American adults have some level of gum disease. As a periodontal specialist, I fin d tha tp eop le a re often surprised to learn they have developed gum disease, mainly because gum disease begins without obvious symptoms and even when advanced can be painless.
Once gum disease is fully underway, initial symptoms are often ignored or even thought to be normal( such as seeing blood in the sink when brushing). Although gum disease is one of the most prevent able of all diseases, it is thenation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Yet, with a good oral regime nat home and regular dental checkups by a dentists who checks for gum disease at each appointment, it is also one of the easiest to prevent.
Twice daily brushing( at least two minutes per time), daily flossing, drinking ample water and limiting sweets and caffeine are simple ways to keep your mouth healthy between dental checkups. And, those 6- month check-ups are important. During these, any tar tar that has accumulated can be removed and you can be examined for signs of early gum disease at each appointment.
In an effort to cur tail dental expenses, some people assume they can cut back on having 6- monthdentalexams and cleanings without risk. The assumption is, “if it doesn’t hurt, then nothing is wrong.” This is where problems can easily develop, and eventually become bigger issues that require more money than the cost for preventive care. It’s similar to trying to save money on auto care by keeping the oil levels at just half of the amount required . Obviously, to any car owner, the repercussions would never be worth what was deemed as savings.
Remember, your regular dental visits play a tremendous role in helping you avoid problems in the first place. In addition, maintaining a thorough home care routine is a necessary part of preventing costs associated with dental repairs.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease (as mentioned above), don’ t hesitate to seek treatment promptly. Periodontal disease will only worsen without treatment. For a specialist on this topic, call 501-2624010 to lea rn m ore orvis it: www.Atkinsonlmplants.com.