If not treated, the disease may progress to involve surrounding bone leading to pocket formation around tooth. Now the disease is called as Periodontitis or Pyorrhea. At this time patient may complain of bleeding, itching sensation, dull constant ache, increased hot and cold sensitivity, food impaction, and even loose teeth. On careful observation we may find bad odor from the mouth, migration of teeth and exposed root surfaces. Some people may have the urge to dig deep in between the teeth to get relief from the dull ache. All these symptoms suggest a quick attention and need of professional help. If this disease is not treated ultimately it may result in loss of teeth one after other.

CAUSES OF GUM DISEASES (PERIODONTITIS)

The gum diseases are also caused by plaque accumulation. The bacteria present in plaque form toxic substances that may cause inflammation of gums. If plaque is not removed regularly it may harden to form calculus (tartar). This tartar further causes deposition of more bacteria and itself, as irritant to gums is responsible for progress of inflammation.

What does your dentist do when you have tartar?

The dentist cleans the hard deposits on your tooth with the help of special instruments and this procedure is called as scalling.

What will happen if gum diseases will not be treated in time?

If the gum diseases will not be treated in time the infection from the gums can spread to involve the underlying bone and may cause loosening or migration of the tooth. This involved tooth may eventually be lost. Sometimes the infection may cause pus formation that can involve adjoining tissues and may cause swelling, pus discharge, bone infection etc.

PREVENTION OF THE DENTAL CARIES AND GUM DISEASES

As has been mentioned earlier, the major cause for dental decay as well as gum diseases is dental plaque, so control of dental plaque is the main factor in prevention of these diseases. Dental Plaque can be controlled by two methods- mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical methods

This method is most important in plaque control. The mechanical method means use of toothpaste and brush or any other indigenous method such as datun etc. Proper cleaning of teeth is very important by any form i.e. it may be toothpaste and brush or datun etc.

Teeth should be clean in such a way that upper teeth are cleaned in downward motion and lower teeth in upward motion, both from outside and inside. On chewing surfaces, circular motion of brushing helps to clean the pits and fissures. The key is to take care of cleaning all the surfaces of all the teeth in both jaws.

The other aids of mechanical cleaning of teeth include dental floss, inter-dental brushes, rubber tips and tooth pricks etc. They help to clean those areas in between the teeth that are normally not accessible during normal tooth brushing. They are specially indicated for crowding and abnormal spacing between the teeth.

Chemical methods

There are certain chemicals such as chlorhexidine and fluoride help in reducing bacteria of plaque. They are available as mouth rinses and can be prescribed by the doctor.

Specific Control of Dental Caries

Apart from brushing, diet and Fluoride has a major role in dental caries prevention. Let us discuss both in details.

Diet

As discussed earlier diet specially sugars have a major role in dental caries causation so it is very important to reduce sugar intake to reduce dental caries. There is a direct relationship between frequency of ingestion of sticky sweet food and dental caries. So we should reduce the frequency of consumption of sweet specially toffees, chocolates, cookies, cakes, pastries, cold drinks, ice creams and other sweets etc. The golden rule is to use sweets only during major meals and avoid having snacks in-between meals. If you feel hungry between meals you can have vegetable sandwiches, salads, fruits, cheese, nuts, corns etc. In case you have to eat, then rinse the mouth thoroughly after that or at least take a sip of water.

Vitamins and minerals are very important for normal growth as well as dental development. Therefore, during the childhood a diet rich in calcium, phosphates and vitamins should be given. A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is also very important during pregnancy and lactation. For very young children bottle-feeding at night should be totally avoided. It should be tried that the child should shift from breast-feeding to tumbler and spoon-feeding directly.

Fluoride

Fluorides make the teeth stronger and more resistant to caries. Ingestion of fluoride during tooth development and maturation stage makes the teeth more resistant to acid attack due to sweet intake. Topical application of fluoride solution helps in making the outer layer of enamel more resistant to acid attack by the bacteria.

There are various methods of use of fluoride for the community like water fluoridation, salt fluoridation, fluoride mouth rinses, toothpaste and topical application by a professional. The simplest method of use of fluoride is by using toothpaste that contains fluoride. A fluoride containing toothpaste is recommended for all people above 6 years of age. For the children in the age range of 3-6 years a small quantity (size of a pea) should be used and for the children below 3 years it should not be used due to risk of ingestion. Another method can be mouth rinsing with 0.2% sodium fluoride solution, once in a week / fortnight for the school children under direct supervision of the teacher. This method is not recommended for children less than six years of age since they can swallow some of the solution, which may be harmful.

Apart from this your dentist can apply 2% sodium fluoride solution or a fluoride varnish during checkup twice in a year.

Specific Control of Gum Diseases

We all know that brushing properly will reduce plaque & bacteria and therefore it will be beneficial for the gums too. There are further steps to keep your gums healthier. They are:

• Use of oral rinses or plain water after each meal.

• Finger massage of gums and teeth.

• Use of dental floss and other inter-dental cleaning devices such as single tuft brush or rubber tip, in cases where crowding of teeth or abnormal spacing between the teeth is present.

• Cleaning and polishing of teeth by dental professionals at regular intervals as and when necessary.

• You should visit your dentist regularly once in 6 months.