By Dr. Neromini FaguIf I were to ask you what do you think is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults, what would you say?Dr. Neromini FaguDental Caries/Tooth decay?? You might be surprised by the answer – according to the American Dental Association the number one cause of tooth loss is adults is due to GUM DISEASE.Gum disease, also called periodontal disease,NFL Jerseys Cheap Wholesale, is an infection of the supporting structures of the teeth which include the gum, the bone and the ligaments which attach the tooth to the socket.? Three out of four persons will experience some form of gum disease in their lifetime and the disease can affect anyone at any age.The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis and this condition can be reversed without any long lasting effects on the supporting structures.? However, if gingivitis is not treated it can worsen to a condition called periodontitis.? Periodontitis cannot be reversed and any loss in supporting structures cannot be replaced by the body.Our mouths are filled with over five hundred different kinds of bacteria, some good and some bad.? The bacteria along with particles of food form a thin film on our teeth called plaque.? Plaque normally forms within ten minutes of eating, and it can be removed by proper brushing and flossing.? However, if plaque is not properly removed it hardens into tartar (also called calculus) and this hardening process can begin in as little as four hours.Tartar cannot be removed by brushing and so you would need to go to your dentist to remove it.? Untreated tartar will cause gum disease mainly because the bacteria in plaque and tartar produce toxins that damage the supporting structures of the teeth.Gum disease may progress painlessly and some of the warning signs and symptoms are:•Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing•Red, swollen, or tender gums•Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth•Build up between the teeth and gumline that may appear yellow,China NBA Jerseys, brown or black in colour•Receding gums•Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums•Loose or shifting teeth•Changes in the way teeth fit together upon biting down, or in the fit of partial dentures.But, even if you don’t notice any symptoms, you may still have some degree of gum disease. Only a qualified dental professional can recognize and determine the progression of gum disease.Plaque is the main cause of gum disease but other factors can also contribute to the condition and include:• Hormonal changes such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.• Systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes,Nike Roshe Run Online Shop, and rheumatoid arthritisinterfere with the body’s inflammatory system and may worsen the condition of the gums.•Medications including some of the steroids, anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs,Cheap Jerseys Online, calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives can affect dental health.? Certain drugs decrease the flow of saliva,Cheap Jerseys Free Shipping, which has a negative effect on teeth and gums. Some anticonvulsant medications and some anti-angina drugs can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.• Smoking/Tobacco use makes it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.• Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing on a daily basis make it easier for gum disease to develop.• Clenching or grinding your teeth can put excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth and could speed up the rate at which those tissues are destroyed.• Family history of dental disease can sometimes contribute to the development of gum disease.Gum disease not only affects your dental health but also your overall health.? It is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and lung disease. Research has suggested that the relationship between diabetes and gum disease goes both ways, and so it may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.Gum disease also increases the risk of women giving birth to a premature or low birth weight babies.We will continue our discussion in the following weeks with the types of gum disease and treatment.For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected]