Gum disease - how to prevent gum disease

Gum disease

Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along and under the gum line. This plaque causes infections that hurt the gum and bone that hold teeth in place. Sometimes gum disease makes your gums tender  and more likely to bleed. This problem, called gingivitis, can often be fixed  by daily brushing and flossing.

A more severe form of gum disease, called periodontitis, needs to be treated by a dentist. If not treated, this infection can ruin the bones, gums and other tissues that support your teeth. Over time, your teeth may have to be removed.

To prevent gum disease:

·                       Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.

·                       Floss once a day.

·                       Visit your dentist regularly for a check up and cleaning.

·                       Eat a well-balanced diet.

·                       If you are a smoker, quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk for gum disease.

What is a dental crown?

What is a dental crown ?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed  over  a tooth. The crown  covers the tooth to restore its shape, size  and strength, as also  improves its appearance. The crowns, when cemented into place,  fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies  at and above the gum line.

Why is a dental crown needed ?

A dental crown may be needed to:

Ø  protect a weak tooth from breaking or to hold  together parts of a cracked tooth.

Ø  restore an already broken tooth or a severely worn down tooth.

Ø  cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t  a lot of tooth left.

Ø  cover misshaped or severely  discoloured teeth.

Ø  cover dental implant.

Gum abscess

A gum or periodontal abscess usually is caused by an infection in the space between the tooth and gum. Bone loss from periodontal (gum) disease can cause  a pocket or space to form between  the tooth, gum and bone. Bacterial and other debris get  into the pocket and an abscess can form. The infection  may occur after food gets trapped between the gum  and tooth. In people  with severe periodontal  disease, bacteria can build up under the gum and in the bone.

Dentists usually treat this kind of abscess by first draining the infection, then thoroughly  cleaning the area. Then the root surfaces  of the tooth  are smoothed out to promote healing and help keep  the infection from recurring. Before doing this procedure, your dentist may inject an anaesthetic to numb the gum and tooth.

Your dentist may recommend gum surgery if warranted to help heal an abscess between the gum and a tooth. This surgery, often performed by a periodontist, involves surgically reshaping of the gum tissue to make  a shallow area that is easier to keep clean and free from infection.