Gum Disease

Articles

What are the Stages of Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is caused by the bacteria in plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Read "What are the Stages of Gum Disease?" article

What is Gingivitis? Signs and Symptoms

What is Gingivitis? Gingivitis — an inflammation of the gums — is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque - the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums. Read "What is Gingivitis? Signs and Symptoms" article

Gingivitis

Gingivitis — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention of this gum disease. Read "Gingivitis" article

Periodontal Disease: Causes and Prevention

What Is Periodontal Disease? If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss. In a 1999 study, researchers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that half of Americans over 30 had bleeding gums. Read "Periodontal Disease: Causes and Prevention" article

What is Periodontitis?

What Is It? Periodontitis is a group of conditions. All of them involve inflammation of the gums and other structures that support the teeth. This disease often starts as gingivitis. Read "What is Periodontitis?" article

Fighting Gum Disease: How to Keep Your Teeth

More than 75 percent of Americans over 35 have some form of gum disease. In its earliest stage, your gums might swell and bleed easily. At its worst, you might lose your teeth. The bottom line? If you want to keep your teeth, you must take care of your gums. Read "Fighting Gum Disease: How to Keep Your Teeth" article

Apicoectomy

What Is It? Your teeth are held in place by roots that extend into your jawbone. Front teeth usually have one root. Other teeth, such as your premolars and molars, have two or more roots. Read "Apicoectomy" article

Gingival Flap Surgery

What Is It? Gingival flap surgery is a type of gum procedure. The gums are separated from the teeth and folded back temporarily. This allows a dentist to reach the root of the tooth and the bone. Read "Gingival Flap Surgery" article

Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease affects the heart and/or blood vessels. More than 50 million Americans experience cardiovascular problems and cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death and disability in the United States. By the time heart problems are detected, the underlying cause (atherosclerosis) is usually quite advanced. Read "Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease" article

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. Of the 20.8 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes, nearly one-third are unaware that they have the disease. Read "Periodontal Disease and Diabetes" article

Periodontal Disease and Obesity

Many medical professionals consider obesity to be a chronic disease. It is well understood that obesity is on the rise in the United States, and that younger and younger members of our community are becoming obese due to poor nutrition and eating habits. Research has demonstrated that obesity will increase the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, CVD, respiratory problems, and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers. Read "Periodontal Disease and Obesity" article

Dental Scaling and Root Planing to Keep Your Teeth and Mouth Clean

Left untreated, a plaque infection can move beyond the tooth and into the supporting bone. Learn how dental scaling and root planning can remove plaque, tartar and infected gum tissue and return your mouth to a healthy state. Read "Dental Scaling and Root Planing to Keep Your Teeth and Mouth Clean" article

Gum Surgery — What Do I Need to Know?

The National Institutes of Health report that 80 percent of adults in the United States have some form of periodontal disease. This infection from plaque build-up can lead to loss of teeth and supporting bone if not treated through gum surgery. Learn what to expect during surgery and how to prevent future infection. Read "Gum Surgery — What Do I Need to Know?" article