By Dr. NerominiFaguGum disease is a serious condition in Guyana. Many persons have it but they may not be aware of it.? TheDr. NerominiFagugeneral rule is: bleeding gums are unhealthy gums. If you notice bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth, this is an indication that your gums are inflamed or infected.The first stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis.Gingivitis is the medical term for inflammation of the gum (gingiva).? Gingivitis may be of two types: chronic gingivitis and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG).? I will focus this week on chronic gingivitis.Chronic gingivitis is the more common type of gingivitis and is closely linked to not keeping your mouth clean and healthy.? As discussed last week, gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and it is a reversible condition. Gingivitis may also occur in the gums that surround a tooth that has not fully erupted. In this situation it is given the name pericoronitis and is more frequently seen with impacted wisdom teeth.If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to:·?? ?Difficulty in eating and swallowing·?? ?Pain·?? ?Periodontitis·?? ?Abscess formation·?? ?Loss of teeth·?? ?Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)·?? ?Infection of the mouth and face (rare complication of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis)·?? ?Death (spread of infection from untreated ANUG)Treatment of GingivitisOnce gingivitis has been diagnosed you should begin treatment.? Prompt treatment will usually reverse the symptoms of gingivitis and prevent the condition from progressing to more severe gum disease or tooth loss.? The goal of all treatment is to eliminate the plaque, tartar and other contributing factors and to ensure the patient’s mouth, gums and teeth stay healthy.Your dentist will perform a procedure call scaling and root planing (SRP), also called “deep cleaning”.? The first part of the process, known as scaling,Cheap Nike NFL Jerseys, removes the accumulated plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth.? Scaling may be uncomfortable especially if your gums are already sensitive or you have a lot of build-up. If necessary,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, your dentist will numb the area to make the process painless.The next phase of treatment,Cheap Jerseys China, known as root planing, is done to make the rough edges on root surfaces smooth so that plaque cannot stick to them easily. After SRP,Cheap NHL Jerseys, the crowns of your teeth may be polished using a rubber cup and a special paste.Gingivitis usually clears up after a thorough professional cleaning ONLY as long as you continue good oral hygiene at home! Your dentist will work with you to plan a good home care program to eliminate contributing factors and ensure you brush and floss properly.You may also be prescribed an antimicrobial mouth rinse to use to help keep the bacteria count low.If you have overlapping teeth or mouth appliances such as braces, crowns or bridges, they will make it more difficult for you to remove plaque properly.? Fortunately,Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic, there are special flosses,NFL Jerseys China, brushes and other cleaning aids available to help keep your teeth and gums clean.I want to stress that there is no short cut to treating gingivitis.? Many times patients would ask if they can use mouthwash (you know the various brands available) as a treatment method.? The answer is NO.? There is no substitute for proper brushing and flossing and regular professional cleaning.Also, when plaque has hardened to tartar you will not be able to remove it yourself.? So, it is critical that you prevent the tartar from forming in the first place with proper personal oral hygiene practices.For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected]