EDUCATIONAL LIBRARY

DENTAL SECTIONFOR PATIENT

Gum Diseases

Dr. Sherif Tehemar

Gum Diseases

• pink or coral pink color, (normal variations in color depend on race and complexion)

• firm, resilient tissues • 'orange-peel' texture (known as

stippling) • shape that follows the contour of

the teeth and forms a scalloped edge

• no areas of redness, swelling or inflammation

• no bleeding during daily plaque removal

• no discomfort

Gum Diseases

• Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue.

• The gums are irritated and swollen due to a plaque or calculus (tartar) buildup along the gumline.

• The gums may be sore, bleed easily and appear puffy, soft and swollen.

• Bleeding gum is one of the earliest and most common signs of gingivitis.

• The good news about gingivitis is that it is preventable and reversible through good brushing and flossing techniques (or other interdental tooth cleansing).

Gum Diseases

• Periodontal disease is destruction of bone and the structures supporting the teeth.

• Eight Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease: – gums that bleed when you brush or floss your

teeth – gums that are red, swollen or tender – gums that have pulled away from teeth – infection including purulence(pus) between the

teeth and gums when the gums are pressed – permanent teeth that are loose or separating – any changes in the way your teeth fit together

when you bite – any changes in the fit of your partial denture – bad breath – itchy sensation

Gum Diseases

• In the most common form of periodontitis, plaque (and sometimes calculus) is found below the gumline.

• The gums may feel irritated, appear bright red, and bleed easily.

• The ligaments holding the tooth in its socket break down and the gums pull away from the teeth, resulting in a periodontal pocket or space between the tooth and gum.

• The periodontal pocket deepens and fills with more bacteria. Supportive ligaments and bone start to show damage.

Gum Diseases

• When periodontitis progresses to the advanced stage, the gums severely recede (pull away from the tooth ); pockets deepen and may be filled with pus.

• There may be swelling around the root and you may experience sensitivity to hot or cold or feel pain when brushing your teeth. This is due to the severely receding gums exposing the root surface.

• As bone loss increases, your teeth may lose so much support that they need to be removed to preserve the overall health of your mouth.

Gum Diseases

• Gum disease is reversible and can be treated in the early stage only. Regular check-up and home care is essential to prevent advanced stages of the disease to occur.

It is scientifically proven that a relation exists between gum diseases and heart problems so

your regular check-up is mandatory.