Tooth & Gum Diseases

At their best, diseases of the teeth and gums can cause minor irritation and minimal bleeding. At their worst, these diseases can cause teeth loss, and serious and painful infections that can spread to other parts of the body. The progressive, often painful, symptoms of these diseases can be prevented with consistent TLC and proactive care.

Gingivitis

• This is the mildest form of gum disease. Gingivitis is characterized by gums that easily bleed when you use your toothbrush; gums that are tender, sensitive and/or swollen; and a general lack of comfort. With gingivitis you will probably not experience significant pain. The culprit: Bacteria in plaque that makes the gums become inflamed. Usually the cause is a lack of proper oral hygiene, though there is some genetic and familial propensity toward these type of dental diseases as well.

Periodontitis

• If you fail to be proactive with dental care and oral health, gingivitis can progressively worsen to the second stage of gum disease--periodontitis. At this point the plaque that had formerly caused mild discomfort and inflamed gums has now spread to below the gumline. As the disease progresses, the bacteria in the plaque can actually destroy tissue and bone, eventually causing teeth to become loose.

Abscesses

• Infections typically occur when your care is more reactive than proactive. By the time a tooth has become abscessed, creating a pocket full of pus in the tissue at the tip of the problematic tooth, that tooth has already sustained either a cavity or an infection. The cavity first forms when bacteria in plaque creates acid and then attacks the enamel that protects the tooth, making the tooth more susceptible to trauma. If untreated, the cavity can progress to become infected or abscessed. Abscessed teeth must either be pulled or, if caught early enough, the tooth may be saved when a dentist performs a root canal.

Bruxism

• This tooth-related disease is better known as teeth grinding or clenching. It often occurs as you sleep, and those who suffer from it probably don't even realize that they're doing it. Often those with bruxism also suffer from an improper bite, anxiety, stress and other emotional disturbances. Teeth grinding can lead to lots of wear on the tooth, pain in the jaw and headache. The answer to this disorder is usually to be fitted with a mouth guard, which is worn at night while those with bruxism sleep.

TMJ

• The scientific name is temporomandibular joint syndrome, and it's usually characterized by chronic pain in the face. Joints, jaw muscles and the lower jaw bone work in tandem to create the movements that allow one to chew food or talk. When any of these moving parts doesn't work properly, it impacts the ability to chew or speak. There are several treatments for TMJ, including the use of mouth guards, splints to maintain proper bite and even surgery, whereby the joints of the jaw are replaced with implants.

Risk Factors

• The obvious risk factor is either a lack of oral hygiene or an improper course of oral care and treatment. Not-so-obvious risk factors for major diseases like periodontitis include other diseases, like diabetes, as well as some medications. Even previous dental work can precipitate more dental work if, for example, fillings are defective. In addition, genetics should not be discounted. Genetics can create irregularities in teeth, including improper bite and spaces in teeth that can lead to other gum and teeth-related disorders.

Prevention

• For the majority of leading teeth and gum-related diseases, including periodontal disease and infections, prevention comes in the form of a tooth brush, toothpaste and dental floss. In addition to brushing one's teeth at least two times a day (and also flossing between teeth on a daily basis), it's also recommended that you see a professional regularly to keep up on cleanings and oral health examinations. That way you are taking care into your own hands, as opposed to waiting until the tooth is broken or painful before it can be "fixed." You can also ask your dentist about dental sealants, which will provide some protection from acid build-up that breaks down the enamel on your teeth.