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Gum Disease
 Gum
disease is one of those health problems associated with growing older,
but new research shows that young people are at risk too, particularly
if they are markedly overweight.
It is most commonly caused by plaque. Plaque is a thin, nearly
invisible film adhering to all the tooth surfaces, colonized by micro
organisms.
Symptoms
An early symptom is bleeding gums and a change in the gum color from a
healthy "coral pink" to an inflamed red color. Swelling and recession
may appear later on. These symptoms, though painless ( and thus often
get overlooked) are harmful in the long run.
Treatment
Gum disease, at this painless stage is reversible with a thorough
brushing and with use of inter-dental cleaning aids. Regular check-ups
also help in warding off such diseases. A simple procedure of Scaling
(removal of accumulated calculus plaque and other deposits) is done
with ultrasonic instruments in modern dentistry.
In some cases the swelling and infection continues in spite of scaling
and prophylaxis. In such cases, a minor surgical procedure called
Gingivectomy is performed in the affected area. The surgery removes
the enlarged and infected tissue.
If left uncontrolled, progresses to it's next
stage- Periodontitis. |
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Periodontitis
The gums become enlarged with a rolled edge separated from the teeth
resulting in a periodontal pocket.
Symptoms
Gum bleeding may appear as early symptoms. Tooth shifting and pus
discharge on pressure from gums appear at a later stage due to bone
loss.
Treatment
The periodontal pocket is usually painless and can be treated with a
small surgical procedure where the tartar along with the diseased soft
tissue lining of the pocket is removed. When the supporting bone also
gets affected, the treatment involves a flap surgical procedure, where
in the full thickness mucosal flap of the affected area is raised and
the diseased tissue is removed.
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Top |
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Advance Stage of Periodontitis (Calculus, infection and
pus)
Treatment: Root Canal Therapy |
Doctor's Advice
A diet high in sugar is one of the causative factors of
early age gum disease. Following precautions should be taken to avoid
it:
- Immediate brushing is recommended after taking high amount of sugar.
( like Chocolates, Ice creams, Soft drinks, sweets, etc)
- Brushing should be done 2-3 times a day. (Specially before a
goodnight sleep)
- Regular dental check up should be done in a month or so.
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