Global Dental Art December 2010 Stop gingivitis before it becomes ...

Global Dental Art December 2010
Chronic gingivitis is a common condition. In fact, it affects over 50% of the population. If
treated, the prognosis for those who have gingivitis is good. Gingivitis is painless so how
can someone detect it? Healthy gums don’t bleed so if there is bleeding when brushing
or flossing, it’s a first indication of gum inflammation or gingivitis.
What causes gingivitis? Gingivitis is caused mainly by plaque, tartar, bacteria, and
inappropriate fillings but also by vitamin deficiency, emotional stress, chronic
inflammation in the body and some other diseases and particular conditions. The
bacteria present in the plaque and tartar produce toxins that irritate the gums. How can
someone prevent plaque and tartar? Everybody has plaque in their mouth; it is formed
within 24 hours with the bacteria already present in our mouth. When those bacteria are
not bothered, they agglomerate and become plaque. Plaque is soft and can be removed
by brushing and flossing. When it’s not removed properly, the minerals present in our
saliva contribute to its crystallization and it becomes tartar. At this stage, brushing and
flossing can not remove it. A regular visit (at least every 6 months) to your dentist will
help you control the accumulation of plaque and tartar and therefore reduce the risks of
gingivitis.
When gingivitis is not treated, it will
progress to periodontal disease. At this
point, the inflammation is not only on the
gums but in the bone which supports the
teeth.
Gingivitis, when combined with receding
gums, periodontal disease, and other
conditions, can create serious health
problems. Gingivitis almost always leads
to bad breath, a serious social problem for
many people.
An unhealthy, bacteria-filled mouth can
lead to a host of problems throughout the
body, including heart disease, diabetes
and blood infection. The bacteria from the
mouth travel to other parts of the body
via the bloodstream, causing widespread
inflammation.
With gum disease there is no denying that
there are many severe consequences to
one’s health if the issue is not corrected.
With that in mind a person should
consider changing or adjusting their
dental habits in order to avoid future gum
disease.
Stop gingivitis before it becomes a serious problem!
Healthy Gums
Oral hygienists agree that a person who
takes care of their teeth by simply
brushing and flossing as instructed and
visits a dentist every three to six
months, can avoid severe consequences
of gum disease.
Curing Gingivitis
Curing gingivitis requires a regular and
thorough oral hygiene regimen. A
simple warm water and salt solution
before or after brushing and flossing is
mildly effective in curing gingivitis. But
the most effective preventative
measure is the removal of plaque
deposits on the teeth.
When gingivitis is already established
we will recommend a specific protocol
prepared especially for you. It will be
our pleasure to provide you the
necessary instructions and recipes
needed to improve your particular gum
situation.

Gingivitis
Moderate periodontitis
Severe periodontitis
Localized periodontitis
Bone loss
Causes of Gum Disease, Gingivitis
Long term plaque is the main cause of gums bleeding or
periodontal disease. Unremoved plaque transforms into hard
deposit of minerals, called tartar, at the base of the tooth.
This causes inflammation of the gums and their swelling.
Other causes are diabetes, pregnancy and puberty, smoking
or chewing of tobacco, clenching or grinding of teeth, stress,
poor oral hygiene and poor nutrition. Certain medications
such as birth control pills can cause gingivitis.
Symptoms of Gingivitis/ Periodontal disease
There is usually no early signs and discomfort in gingivitis or
periodontal disease. You should observe the following:
1. Swollen puffy gums,
2. Bright red or red-purple or shiny gums or redness
around the teeth
3. Pus between the gums
4. Tender gums
5. Gums bleed easily during brushing or flossing
6. Gums painless but are tender when touched
7. Blood on toothbrush
8. Loose teeth
9. Visible deposits of plaque and tartar at the base of
the teeth
10. Mouth sores
11. Persistent bad breath
12. Floss doesn’t smell good when brought close to your
nose after flossing
Prevention of gum disease
1. It can be prevented by taking good care of your
teeth.
2. Brush teeth thoroughly at least twice a day (after
your meal) with a soft bristle toothbrush and a
toothpaste with natural ingredients (some chemicals
in commercial toothpaste can lead to chronic
inflammation of soft tissues).
3. Floss the teeth once a day to remove food particles
in-between the teeth preferably before you go to
sleep.
4. Avoid use of tobacco and sweets.
5. Visit the dentist regularly for dental checkups.
Besides plaque, your life style can cause gum disease. Your
body’s immunity system must be strong. Exercising on a
regular basis and eating well by staying away from refined
food is the best way to keep your immunity strong.

Global Dental . Art . Dentaire Global
4571, rue Sherbrooke Ouest
Westmount, Québec H3Z 1E9
Tél: 514-934-0222
Sans-frais: 1-877-934-0222
Télécopieur: 514-933-4348
info@drcarlbenoit.com
www.drcarlbenoit.com
Anna Santoro : Responsable de la Communication