Archive for the ‘Gum disease’ Category

You know, normally if people have concerns about the look or appearance of their smile, they can pinpoint what that is. Occasionally, people say I have spaces at my gum line, which we call black triangles. Maybe it looks like they have black pepper in their teeth? That type of question comes up, and those things can be restored with veneers or composites, in a very conservative manner. But there are ways to treat that. Occasionally, those spaces in the gum line are only due to gum disease and periodontal disease. Occasionally, they are due to age. As we get older, our gum line does recede slightly, our teeth erupt a little further and then the natural taper in our teeth will leave spaces. But it does raise a question, do we have gum disease or not?

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) concluded a study that estimated around 3 out of 4 Americans have a form of gum disease.  This could range from less severe cases of gingivitis or the more progressed form, called periodontitis.   It is more important than ever to maintain your daily care for healthy gums and teeth.  Increasingly, more research is indicating that these gum diseases could be tied to a few other diseases, which includes diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

Most people do not seek the expertise of a Periodontist because they are not aware of the long-term effects of untreated gum disease.

These are 5 facts (and their fictions) about gum disease:

1. Gums bleed sometimes, it’s not that big of a deal.

Bleeding gums is one of the main signs of periodontal disease.  If you are eating, brushing or flossing, and you notice bleeding you should schedule a visit with your local dental professional in Kentucky.

2. Flossing everyday doesn’t make a difference.

Daily oral care, which is brushing after your meals and before you sleep, and flossing everyday is the best way to prevent gum disease.   Also schedule a check-up with your dental professional two times a year.    If they find signs of gum disease, a consultation with a periodontist may be best.

3. The dental professional is scary.

Dentists, especially Periodontists, are experts in the field of gum disease.  They study an extra 3 or more years in a specialized training school that focuses on diagnosing and treating, and especially, preventing, gum disease.

4. If a tooth is lost due to gum disease, it is gone forever.

This is not true.  Your local Periodontist in Kentucky is trained in Dental Implants, a way to replace lost teeth.

5.  Only way to get gum disease is by not brushing.

Of course, if you do not brush your teeth or continue to follow your daily oral hygiene regiment, you will increase your chances of getting gum disease. There are other factors that can also contribute to the getting of gum disease as well.  Those factors are tobacco, stress, a poor diet, and even genetics play a part in the health of your gums.