Us News and Report coincidentally had an article in their issue today, March 20, on the very topic called "Health Tip:Am I at Risk for Gum Disease?" and listed the common factors click here to read it. However, I don't think it went far enough to keep the public adequately informed.
Are you at Risk?
Aggressive peridontitis can affect young people who are otherwise healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus. Certain systemic conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, Downs syndrome, Kindler syndrome and Papillon-Lefevre syndrome make young adults more susceptible. Chronic gingivitis is common in children. Evidence shows that periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice oral hygiene. Hormonal changes related to puberty can put teens at greater risk for getting periodontal disease. During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum's sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. Every one of us is at risk for gum disease if we don't perform the following on a daily basis:
That may seem quite obvious and simple enough but many people need reinforcement to develop goods habits.
The Art of Flossing
Use a floss that does not shred or break. Avoid a very thin floss, which can cut the gum if brought down with too much force or not guided along the side of the tooth. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger. Hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers and gently guide and rub it back and forth between the teeth. If this challenging, electronic products, such as water piks, are also helpful.
Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases. It is important that children receive a periodontal exam as part of their routine dental visits. Be aware that if a child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. A general medical evaluation should be considered for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if it appears resistant to therapy.
Researchers suggest periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families may put children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. If one family member has periodontal disease, all family members should see a dental professional for a periodontal evaluation.
Please feel free to discuss with me.
Click here to contact me
Are you at Risk?
Aggressive peridontitis can affect young people who are otherwise healthy. Localized aggressive periodontitis is found in teenagers and young adults and mainly affects the first molars and incisors. It is characterized by the severe loss of alveolar bone, and ironically, patients generally form very little dental plaque or calculus. Certain systemic conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, Downs syndrome, Kindler syndrome and Papillon-Lefevre syndrome make young adults more susceptible. Chronic gingivitis is common in children. Evidence shows that periodontal disease may increase during adolescence due to lack of motivation to practice oral hygiene. Hormonal changes related to puberty can put teens at greater risk for getting periodontal disease. During puberty, an increased level of sex hormones, such as progesterone and possibly estrogen, cause increased blood circulation to the gums. This may cause an increase in the gum's sensitivity and lead to a greater reaction to any irritation, including food particles and plaque. Every one of us is at risk for gum disease if we don't perform the following on a daily basis:
- Brushing your teeth, gums and tongue, rinsing and flossing
That may seem quite obvious and simple enough but many people need reinforcement to develop goods habits.
The Art of Flossing
Use a floss that does not shred or break. Avoid a very thin floss, which can cut the gum if brought down with too much force or not guided along the side of the tooth. Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger. Hold the floss between the thumbs and forefingers and gently guide and rub it back and forth between the teeth. If this challenging, electronic products, such as water piks, are also helpful.
Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases. It is important that children receive a periodontal exam as part of their routine dental visits. Be aware that if a child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. A general medical evaluation should be considered for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if it appears resistant to therapy.
Researchers suggest periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families may put children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. If one family member has periodontal disease, all family members should see a dental professional for a periodontal evaluation.
Please feel free to discuss with me.
Click here to contact me
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