What is Gum Disease?

If you find yourself asking “What is gum disease?” you’re not alone. Many people visit the dentist and hear the term, but don’t really know what it is, what the symptoms are, or the level of damage gum disease can do. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease happens when an infection of tissues and bone causes loose teeth, or in advanced stages, teeth to fall out. Often, gum disease is caused by a buildup of plaque, which contains bacteria that produce toxins that in turn irritate or damage the gums.

Since plaque creates an invisible layer of germs that form on the teeth, it’s no wonder dentists recommend that their patients brush and floss several times a day. Add to this the fact that hundreds of types of bacteria are found in the mouth, and it's easy to see that gum disease can happen to anyone, and that there's a need for continual cleaning of the mouth.

Certain people actually inherit the tendency for gum disease so they must be pro-active in their efforts to prevent the disease. While smoking is one of the leading causes of gum diseases (and increases the likelihood of mouth cancer), there are additional factors that increase the potential for gum disease, including the types of snacks people eat. For example, fast food, candy and soda have a lot of sugar and starch. Both of these substances feed the acids that attack the enamel on teeth.

In addition, specific medicines and medical conditions such as diabetes and Down syndrome, increase the risk of gum disease. A poor diet, a lack of sleep and stress also add to the risk.

The following are some signs and symptoms of gum disease:

•    Gums that bleed during brushing and/or flossing. (A mild form of gum disease is called Gingivitis.)
•    The presence of calculus or tartar, which is plaque that has hardened over time
•    Teeth that are pulling away from the gums.
•    Gums that are discolored, swollen and tender
•    Continual bad breath
•    Loose teeth

It’s better to prevent gum disease than to deal with it in the early stages. Managing gum disease in the late stages is even harder but can be accomplished over time. The goal in this case is to counteract some of the damage, and to prevent gum disease from spreading to areas of the jawbone that support the teeth.

Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky DDS is a dentist in Millburn, New Jersey who works to prevent gum disease and to treat it at all levels. Visit www.drgdds.com, or follow Dr. G on Twitter.

What is Smile Restoration Dentistry?

The term “Smile Restoration Dentistry” is often used by dentists who specialize in cosmetic dentistry. However, over the past several years the term has evolved to include all levels of dentistry. Simply put, smile restoration dentistry is bringing a person’s dental health and aesthetics back to an earlier stage of life.

Age and a lack of proper dental care are two of the main reasons people’s teeth become unhealthy. Often times, teeth get pulled when they are too far gone or the patient doesn’t have the insurance or money to cover the cost of root canals, crowns or other dental procedures that can save a tooth.

When it’s time to restore a smile, dentists often do a full mouth exam with x-rays followed by a detailed plan of the procedures necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Several of the following procedures are necessary in smile restoration dentistry:

•    Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are used to replace lost teeth, and attach to adjoining natural teeth. This is for aesthetics as well as health since missing teeth allows your other teeth to drift from their proper position. This in turn causes jaw pain, headaches and a higher increase of decay.

•    Tooth Crowns
Smile restoration often includes tooth crowns, often referred to as a “cap.” Crowns help to strengthen and protect tooth structure in case of fracture or heavy decay.

•    Dental Implants
Many dental patients choose dental implants over dental bridges. Implants are more permanent and are known to stop bone deterioration caused by tooth loss. In addition, dental implant specialists believe that implants add to a more youthful appearance, restores natural biting and chewing, and eliminates the pain and inconvenience of dentures, bridges and partials.

•    Dentures
When people have lost many or all of their natural teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, the best solution for restoring their smile is to create partial or complete dentures. With today’s technology, dentures look completely natural. In many cases, they improve speech and the ability to chew.

Dr. G is a general and cosmetic dentist in Millburn, New Jersey who specializes in Smile Restoration Dentistry. Visit the website at www.drgdds.com, or you can follow on Twitter or Facebook.