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Q: How can I tell if I'm getting gum disease?
A: By the time you suspect you may have gum disease, also called periodontal disease, the condition may be well advanced. The only way you would know in the early stage of the disease is if your dentist tells you so. At the outset, there is normally no pain or other symptoms. Only a dental exam can determine if the disease is present. As it advances, gum disease can make the gum tissue separate from the teeth. This creates pockets in which bacteria can settle. Once entrenched, the disease attacks the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Advanced cases of periodontal disease can severely loosen teeth.
The good news is that the disease is eminently preventable. Regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist can greatly reduce your chances of developing periodontal disease. Women, incidentally, because of the various changing phases of life, are at greater risk for gum disease. From the onset of menstruation through the teenage years, pregnancy and menopause, a woman's hormonal changes affect her oral health. The reason is that hormones impact the plaque bacteria that grow on the teeth and in the mouth. Talk with your dentist about the best practices to avoid gum disease.
March 1, 2010
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