Risk Factors of Gum Disease

Gum disease, which is also known as periodontal disease – is a progressive condition that can cause gums to become inflamed with infection and rapidly develop causing a host of other issues, including loose teeth, or even causing teeth to fall out. Gum disease is extremely common – one out of every two American adults aged 30 and over has the silent disease which has been medically linked with systemic health conditions.

What Puts You at Risk?

The impact gum disease can have on health increases as the disease progresses. Damage caused by the first stage, gingivitis, is both treatable and reversible. Routine exams help to detect gingivitis, an important aspect to having a family dentist who understand your medical and family oral health history.

There are certain risk factors which leave some people more prone to the disease than others. These include:

• A family history of gum disease
• Inadequate dental health habits, not brushing and flossing regularly
• Lack of professional care and cleanings
• Diabetes
• Use of tobacco products
• Age
• Compromised or decreased immune system, patients with conditions impacting immunity such as HIV/AIDS, leukemia, or those undergoing chemotherapy
• Inadequate or poor nutrition
• Specific medications and drug use/abuse
• Pregnancy
• Bite and alignment conditions

Thankfully, gum disease is also preventable and treatment of the disease, particularly when caught early on, can be as simple as a few professional cleanings, and improving at-home care. If you condition has progressed past gingivitis to periodontal disease, continued maintenance cleanings are strongly suggested by your dentist to maintain oral health and prevent reoccurrence.

Watching for Signs of Gum Disease

Stage 1- Gingivitis- During this stage, the inflammation and bacteria infiltrate the soft gum tissue, colonizing in pockets along the gum line at the bottom of the teeth. Signs of the disease include red, swollen gums that are tender or painful, and prone to bleeding when brushed or flossed.

Stage 2 – Periodontitis - Gums then start to recede and pull away from the teeth, giving them an elongated appearance. The tenderness can extend to pain when eating, or a persistent soreness that may be accompanied by loose or separating teeth.

Stage 3 – Advanced Periodontitis – This advanced periodontal disease stage may have sores can develop, pus may gather between the gums and teeth, and bad breath can become a daily problem. The bite may also be affected and people notice a greater presence of pain when using their mouth.

If you are concerned about having gum disease or have not seen your dentist for more than six months, contact Dr. Lawrence Bauman and schedule an appointment.

Advantages of Overdentures

Through age, disease, and trauma, at some point it may be necessary to look at solutions for replacing teeth. Though many options exist, overdentures have proven to be a more patient-friendly option than other traditional solutions.

Overdentures are a stable, long-term solution to replacing missing teeth. They are customized to fit the patient’s mouth and facial structure, resulting in a more natural and secure bite, allowing patients to bite, chew and speak with confidence.

What are Overdentures?

An overdenture is a removable set of dentures which covers or is fixed to one or more remaining natural teeth, natural tooth roots, and/or dental implants. Overdentures are also referred to as overlay dentures or implant-supported dentures.

What are the Benefits?

An overdenture fits in such a way that the palette remains exposed, allowing patients to continue to enjoy the experience of eating. And, because the overdenture is securely fixed to implants it stimulates bone regeneration for a more secure fit.

Other advantages include:

• Function – Missing teeth make normal dental function challenging, if not outright impossible. With overdentures, patients are able to chew properly which aids in digestion. They are also able to eat without restriction, allowing for a healthier diet and overall wellness.
• Speech – Overdentures restore the patient’s ability to speak without impediment, discomfort, or feeling self-conscious.  
• Comfort – Overdentures are designed to fit more comfortably in the mouth and don’t irritate the gum tissue. Modern dentistry involves using materials that are more bio-compatible and non-allergenic, which improves the comfort levels experienced by overdenture patients.
• Convenience – Traditional dentures can require the use of messy and unreliable denture adhesives. Overdentures are fitted in place using the existing teeth, roots or with implants, which removes the cost and inconvenience associated with traditional denture adhesives.
• Economical – It is possible a dentist can modify your existing dentures in creating the overdenture, which can significantly cut down the cost and time involved in the initial stages of the process. 
• Minimally Invasive – Overdentures are fitted onto another structure and require a minimal number of implants. 

Overdentures are not for everyone, but it’s easy to determine whether or not you will make a good candidate through a dental exam. For more information, contact Dr. Lawrence Bauman or schedule a consultation to find out if you qualify for overdentures.