Don't give in to gum disease

The phases of periodontal disease

Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by food particles and the sticky, colorless film that adheres to your teeth called plaque. Because it's usually painless and slow to progress, periodontal disease can easily reach an advanced stage, resulting in deterioration of gums and bone structure and then tooth loss. So how do you know if you have periodontal disease?

• Healthy gums and bone anchor the teeth in place.
  
  
• If plaque builds up on teeth, it hardens and becomes calculus, or tartar. In gingivitis, the early stage of periodontal disease, warning signs may include swollen, bleeding gums or persistent bad breath. However, most people notice no symptoms at all.
  
  
• Periodontitis is a more advanced stage of gum disease and often results from untreated gingivitis. Tartar irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that fill with more plaque.
  
  
• In advanced periodontitis, the pockets grow deeper, and plaque moves further down toward the tooth root, destroying supporting bone. The affected teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.

Prevention starts at home

While regular dental exams are necessary to remove tartar and detect early signs of periodontal disease, you play the major role in preventing tartar from forming. Here are some measures you can take to keep your teeth for a lifetime:

• Brush for five minutes, twice a day, with fluoridated toothpaste.
  
  
• Floss daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can't reach. Don't like to floss? Try a floss holder, which can make it easier to insert floss between teeth.
  
  
• Although not a substitute for brushing and flossing, a mouth rinse can reduce plaque up to 20 percent. Toothpicks are also helpful in fighting gum disease -- ask your dentist about special types designed to keep gums healthy.
  
  
• Eat right. Starchy and sugary foods increase plaque, and only a healthy diet provides the nutrients necessary (vitamins A and C, in particular) to prevent gum disease.
  
  
• Avoid cigarettes and chewing tobacco, which may contribute to gum disease and oral cancer. Certain medications can also aggravate gum disease, including oral contraceptives, antidepressants and heart medicines.
  
  
• Have your dentist correct problems, such as faulty fillings, crowded teeth or teeth-grinding.
  
  
• Exercise preventive care and schedule regular checkups -- the surest way to detect early signs of periodontal disease.