Dr. Wanda G. Smith is a dentist who has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Periodontal Diseases.
Q. What Causes Tooth Loss?
A. If you do not remove plaque by brushing and flossing your teeth, it can build up and infect your gums, teeth and bone, that supports them (teeth). If not treated by a dentist, you can lose your teeth. Plaque attacks those hard and soft tissues (bone and gums), that support the teeth in the mouth. No matter how pretty the teeth look, if the supporting tissues are weakened, the teeth will get loose, fall out or require removal by a dentist. People with Diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth. Like all infections, gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise and make diabetes harder to control.
Q. What Causes Periodontal Diseases?
A. Periodontal Disease ( gum disease), is the number 1 cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Three out of Four adults develop some degree of periodontal disease. Some people have a higher risk:
* family history of periodontal disease.
* smokers
* other diseases such as diabetes
Q. Can Periodontal Diseases Be Prevented?
A. Periodontal disease can be prevented by brushing regularly and cleaning between your teeth at least twice a day. While most people know the importance of brushing, they often do not understand the importance of cleaning between the teeth. Normal tooth brushing generally cannot reach between your teeth. Unfortunately, that is where most periodontal problems occur. Because of this, you must floss or use some type of inter dental cleaner to get to those hard to reach places.
Q. How Does Plaque Attack the Gums?
A. Plaque that remains on the teeth can irritate the gums, making them red, tender, and likely to bleed while brushing. This condition called Gingivitis, can lead to more serious types of periodontal disease.
Q. How Do You Stop Plaque Attacks?
A. Gingivitis can be reversed and gums kept healthy by removing plaque every day with a good oral hygiene routine and by having your teeth professionally maintained. The number of times per year varies according to the need of the patient.
Q. How many times a day should I brush my teeth?
A. A good average is twice a day, but ideally you should brush after every meal.
Q. What kind of toothpaste should I use?
A. Any brand that has fluoride.
Q. How to contact Dr. Smith if we have further questions?
A. 829 N. Jefferson St.
Wilmington, DE 19801 or
302-656-2584 or
www.drwandasmith.com
