Gum Disease

Gum disease or gingivitis is the infection and inflammation of the gums. When we eat, the food that remains stuck on the teeth and doesn't get removed from brushing and flossing can allow bacteria to accumulate. This bacteria builds up plaque and tarter, and if not treated on time causes bone loss the teeth become lose and fall. If this plaque and tarter build-up is ignored, it begins a vicious cycle where the tartar can attract more bacteria, causing more infection, and the healthy gums start to become inflamed and weak. The gums can start to pull away from the teeth and create deep pockets, where bacteria can continue to grow and cause bone loss. This can get to the extent where the patient can lose perfectly healthy teeth because of the bone loss, gum retraction, and infection, which causes the teeth to become mobile and require extraction. Most people do not realize that gum disease is an epidemic. It is the number one problem even more than cavities. Eighty percent of the American population has some sort of gum disease, the early stages of which is gingivitis. This is when the gums become swollen, sore, and bleed. When a person has gum disease and the gums bleed, the bacteria from the mouth gets into your system by going into your bloodstream. Then the bacteria go into the arteries near your heart, so gum disease is closely linked to heart disease. We are now realizing that when you take care of your gums, you are also taking care of your heart. The same thing is true for diabetes and several other inflammatory processes. Research shows that the plaque that builds up in arteries and leads to heart attacks are only found in one other place in the body – the mouth. So there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. As dentists, we now know that keeping gum disease at bay is preventing heart disease at the same time.

While brushing if you see bleeding, you should be worried and go in for a consultation with your dentist. Gum disease in its early stage is not painful so people do not think they need to go in for treatment or even a consultation, because it does not disrupt their daily routine. It is important that you talk to your dentist when you see any changes in your teeth or gums. Getting the problem treated early on can prevent more complicated issues from arising later…such as heart disease.

People think that dentists want them to come in for routine cleanings because it is good for the dentist’s business. Not true, we want patients to get their teeth and gums checked and cleaned regularly in order to avoid problems like gingivitis and gum disease. By doing so, we can see the early signs of gum disease and prevent it from becoming a serious issue.

This entire cascade of events can be avoided if individuals follow a healthy oral hygiene regimen. This involves educating the patient on proper tooth care such as brushing and flossing several times daily and regular cleanings and check-ups with Dr. Shah. Gum disease is a serious issue that Americans face, and with more education and regular preventative care, we can control gum disease and keep our patients healthy and happy forever.

At Dr. Ami’s office, prevention is the Key. We emphasize patients keep their cleaning and prevention appointments either twice or 3 or 4 times a year depending on the severity of the gum disease.

We also reward our patients to ensure their healthy smile through a free teeth whitening program. Our office will explain all the details when you come in for consultation.