Content area
Full Text
Preventive Maintenance
As a child, I spent a lot of time with my grandfather. 'Dad gummit' was his favourite expression when things weren't going well. Later, 'Dad gummit' became one of his grandchildrens' favourite expressions when teasing him about his new dentures. Although he always smiled at our joke, having teeth pulled and getting dentures was no laughing matter.
Avoid my grandfather's experience. Considering the following information may help you save your teeth. Tooth loss, in adults, is most often caused by gum disease (periodontal disease or periodontitis). Periodontal disease is quite common - mild to moderate forms affect 30-50% of adults and the more severe generalized form affects 5-15% of all adults in North America.
This disease begins with plaque. Plaque, an invisible, sticky film on your teeth (composed mainly of bacteria), forms when starches and sugars in the foods you eat interact with normal mouth bacteria. Fortunately, brushing your teeth removes plaque. Unfortunately, plaque re-forms quickly, usually within 24 hours. Plaque creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
When this plaque-based bacteria flourishes, it leads to periodontal disease - a localized, chronic inflammatory disease that attacks and destroys the connective tissue and bone that support the teeth. With this condition,...