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If plaque is not regularly removed
from teeth, including the areas below the gum line,
it can irritate the gums, leading to gum disease.
Regular brushing and cleaning between teeth is essential
to help prevent gum disease.
How does plaque cause gum disease?
If plaque is left to build up, the bacteria produce
toxins that can irritate the gums and damage teeth.
The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis.
This is an inflammation of the gums, which may cause
swelling, tenderness and bleeding when brushing or
flossing.
Who is at risk for gum disease?
Gum disease can affect any age group, including children.
However, it most often affects adults. In fact, about
three out of four adults over age 35 have some form
of gum disease now or have had it in the past.
Your risk of getting gum disease increases if you
smoke or have certain medical conditions. It is therefore
vital to keep your dentist informed of your general
health
What should I do if I think I have gingivitis?
Fortunately, with proper oral care every day and regular
visits to the dentist, you can help prevent gingivitis
from ever developing. It is best prevented and, in
most cases quickly healed, by following a routine
to remove plaque every day - this is a two step process
of brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush and cleaning
between teeth. Together they prevent plaque from building
up on tooth surfaces and under the gum line.
Gingivitis is not a permanent condition. It can be
reversed, because no permanent damage has occurred
to the bone supporting the teeth
What is periodontitis?
Left untreated, gingivitis may progress to a more
severe form of gum disease called periodontitis, or
periodontal disease. Periodontitis damages the bone
and gums that support the teeth. Once periodontitis
develops, the damage can't be reversed: only a professional
treatment program and an improved level of daily oral
care at home can keep it from getting worse.
If you have periodontitis your dentist
will provide you with a tailored program for maintaining
your teeth and gums, to halt the progress of the disease.
Oral-B offers a range of oral hygiene products that
are safe to use if you have periodontitis, including
the Oral-B range of power toothbrushes. Because our
power toothbrushes have been proven to remove more
plaque than a manual toothbrush, you can improve your
level of oral hygiene, which is a critical factor
in controlling gum disease.
What symptoms should I be looking out for?
Periodontitis may initially occur without many visible
symptoms, therefore regular dental exams are critical
for early diagnosis.
Common symptoms of periodontitis
are red, swollen gums that have started to pull away
from the teeth, creating pockets. This is often associated
with tooth sensitivity, a feeling of intense pressure
between the teeth or bleeding when brushing or flossing.
In more advanced stages, you may experience gum recession,
root decay, pus between teeth and gums, and loosening
or eventual loss of teeth.
Early
Periodontitis
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Moderate
Periodontitis
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Advanced
Periodontitis
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How do I help prevent periodontitis from developing?
By adopting a thorough oral care routine you can help
avoid periodontitis - here are some useful tips:
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Brush thoroughly twice
a day, with a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride
toothpaste - preferably in the morning and before
bed |
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Clean between your teeth
daily to remove plaque from areas your toothbrush
can't reach |
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Visit your dentist and
hygienist regularly - at least once every six
months, for a cleaning and exam |
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Avoid smoking and using
tobacco |
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Dentists
recommend that you change your toothbrush at least
every three months or earlier if the toothbrush
looks worn, because research shows that a new
toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that's
three months old1 |
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