It is extremely important to make sure your mouth is healthy

What causes gum disease?
Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Bacteria begin to accumulate and grow in, around and below the layer of tartar causing gum disease. Only a professional cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar.

How do I know if I have gum disease?
Symptoms of gum disease include:

• Bad breath that won’t go away.
• Red or swollen gums.
• Tender or bleeding gums.
• Painful chewing.
• Loose teeth.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Receding gums or longer appearing teeth.

How is gum disease treated?

• Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing).
• Flap Surgery:- Surgery might be necessary if inflammation and deep pockets remain following treatment with deep cleaning and medications. A dentist or periodontist may perform flap surgery to remove tartar deposits in deep pockets or to reduce the periodontal pocket and make it easier for the patient, dentist, and hygienist to keep the area clean. This common surgery involves lifting back the gums and removing the tartar. The gums are then sutured back in place so that the tissue fits snugly around the tooth again. After surgery the gums will heal and fit more tightly around the tooth. This sometimes results in the teeth appearing longer.
• Bone and Tissue Grafts. In addition to flap surgery, your periodontist or dentist may suggest procedures to help regenerate any bone or gum tissue lost to periodontitis. Bone grafting, in which natural or synthetic bone is placed in the area of bone loss, can help promote bone growth.

Can gum disease affect your health ?

• studies showed that women with gum disease were more likely than those with healthy gums to deliver preterm, low birth weight babies.
• More and more evidence shows a strong association between gum disease and heartdisease, stroke, diabetes, poor pregnancy outcomes, and other conditions.