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Gum disease affects most Americans -- here's what to
watch for
By Shauna Smith
November 8, 2005 | If you haven't
been to the dentist lately, you may not know what you're
missing. You could be part of the 75 percent of Americans
that have gum disease.
Sometimes the only way to detect gum disease is through
a periodontal screening. Shanna Lee, a Logan dental
hygienist, recommends a checkup every six months for
cleaning. At the same time patients are checked for
gum disease.
Gum, or periodontal, disease occurs when plaque buildup
causes inflammation of the gums. This causes the gums
to redden, swell and bleed easily. With time, plaque
begins to spread below the gum line and toxins are produced
by the bacteria. The toxins stimulate a chronic inflammatory
response where the body tries to fight the toxins, but
at the same time breaks down the tissues and bone that
support the teeth. The gums separate from the teeth
and form pockets. This loosens the teeth and they eventually
have to be removed.
Utah State University student Patrick Cassity takes
proper precautions to protect against gum disease.
"I've always worried about my teeth," said Cassity.
"I use Listerine once or twice a week to prevent [gum
disease] and I floss, too." Cassity learned a lot of
his oral hygiene habits from dental students while spending
some time on UCLA campus.
Other students may not worry as much as Cassity about
getting gum disease.
"When I went to the dentist once, they told me how
easy it was to get gum disease," said USU student, Lacee
King. "It scared me a little, but I forgot about it
after a while."
Many people fail to make a conscious effort to avoid
periodontal disease because they don't realize the importance
of prevention.
Several factors play a role in the risk of gum disease.
Not brushing and flossing regularly is an obvious cause.
Low dietary vitamin C can increase
your chances of getting the disease, according to a
study released in the August 2000 issue of the Journal
of Periodontology. The recommended daily intake
of vitamin C is 60 milligrams. Vitamin C assists the
body's antioxidant defense system and helps neutralize
tissue destructive oxidants.
Another study was released by the Journal of Periodontology
in 2000 that determined smoking could be responsible
for more than half of the cases of gum disease in adults.
Smoking interferes with healing by reducing the delivery
of oxygen and nutrients to tissue.
Periodontal disease may be passed from parents to
children and between a couple according to the Journal
of the American Dental Association. Researchers
suggest bacteria passes through saliva and can lead
to gum disease.
Genetics
play a part, too. Up to 30 percent of the population
has been proven to be genetically susceptible to periodontal
disease according to the American Academy of Periodontology.
Other risk factors of periodontal disease include
diabetes, medications, pregnancy and the clenching and
grinding of teeth.
The symptoms of gum disease are often subtle, but
warning signs can be detected. Gums that bleed during
toothbrushing and red, swollen gums usually come first.
The gums often start to recede and you may have persistent
bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. Regular self evaluations can help you prevent
gum disease from progressing.
During a periodontal disease screening, your gums
are checked for movement and sensitivity, and your bite
is assessed. If you are diagnosed with periodontal disease,
Lee recommends scheduling appointments every three months
for treatment. Treatment also includes healthy eating,
brushing and flossing. Brushing only removes plaque
on the surface of teeth, but flossing will reach plaque
buildup in between teeth and under the gums. Some dentists
may even recommend motorized toothbrushes with smaller
heads, which can be more effective in removing plaque.
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