Periodontitis (also known as gum disease) is a serious disease.
Apart from the obvious pain and distress it can cause to patients, it is also increasingly being linked to heart disease, premature birth, and diabetes.
Long-standing inflammation of the gums (also known as ‘gingivitis’) can turn into gum disease. Gingivitis occurs when the gums around the teeth become very red and swollen. Often, the swollen gums bleed when they are brushed during cleaning. There are various types of gum disease, and they all affect the tissues supporting the teeth in the jaw, making the teeth loose. If this is not treated, the teeth may eventually fall out.
Gum disease is caused by plaque. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that forms on the surface of the teeth every day. Many of the bacteria in plaque are completely harmless, but some have been shown to be the main cause of gum disease.
To prevent and treat gum disease, it is essential to remove all the plaque from your teeth every day. This can be done by brushing and cleaning between the teeth with ‘interdental’ brushes or floss, as well as by regularly visiting the dentist.
For more information or to book an appointment, visit Gaurav & Dental Physiotherapy Hospital, Samastipur.