Gum Diseases

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   I have very bad gum diseases and i have stated loosing my teeth.?
   I need insurance that can cure my gum diseases and root canal

   • ANSWER:
     Insurance doesn’t “cure” gum disease.

2. QUESTION:
   I have the kind of gum diseases that can send poison in to ur blood strem?
   my dentest said i have pyreia of the gums and said they are real bad and he said the poison is killing me inside does this problum can kill u if u dont get them pulled out.

   • ANSWER:
     Pyorrhea can cause problems by introducing systemic bacteria. You can end up with blood poisoning (sepsis) and heart valve damage. Yes, it CAN kill you!

3. QUESTION:
   What if any are the affects of a gum diseases, on others parts of ones body?

   • ANSWER:
     A newly published study in the Journal of Periodontology confirms recent findings that people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease.

4. QUESTION:
   what could bea better title for neem tree a cure to gum diseases as an investigatoy project?

   • ANSWER:
     You can Chose One of the following:

     Natural Curing of Gum Diseases Using Neem Tree Oil.

     Effects of Neem Oil on Gum Diseases.

     The Neem Oil As Natural Gum Disease Traetment.

     @ Geetha,nice title , I support it

5. QUESTION:
   What are the first signs of mouth cancer, or other gum and mouth related diseases because of smokeless tobacco?
   I’m quite the dipper. My mouth seems to take it ok but, I don’t want to wake up one morning with half my gum line missing or find a “lump”. What are some things I can look for?

   • ANSWER:
     You may see a white or keratinized area, sometimes it can be silvery. This is not always an indication of cancer, but irritation to the tissue that can later lead to abnormal cell formation. I used to work in an office that offered oral cancer screenings by a machine called a “Velscope”. It is basically a non-invasive oral cancer screening that uses a high intensity light and a filtered scope allowing the clinician to see abnormal cells way before they can be detected by the naked eye. Usually by the time the naked eye can detect something abmormal, the prognosis is poor. I recommend getting a Velscope screening, and doing that once a year just to stay in check. A lot of offices don’t have them though because they are fairly new and very expensive.

     Basically, for the best results, I’d just call the dentists in your area and ask if they offer an “enhanced” oral cancer screening, and specify that you want more than just a visual exam.

     Also, if you are worried about cancer and don’t want to stop chewing, try switching sides to give your tissue a break every now and then.

6. QUESTION:
   Can gum diseases cause or turn to heart diseases?

   • ANSWER:
     Yes, Yes, Yes, and Yes again. Bacteria can enter the blood stream from the mouth via the teeth, especially when your gums are infected. I have a friend who had a heart infection from bacteria getting into the blood from his mouth. Most dentist insist on giving antibiotics before they work on your teeth, especially if they are going to remove one or do an implant ,etc. You also need to know that researchers have found that stomach problems(such as ulcers) are also caused by bacteria from the mouth. Clean your mouth, not just your teeth.
     Clean your teeth regularly and clean your tongue because the bacteria on your tongue is the primary cause of bad breath. I use OraBrush tongue cleaner and clean my tongue every time I brush my teeth.

7. QUESTION:
   Dentists have always said that Gum Diseases will cause Heart Disease.?
   Question:

   Say a person has, say 5% Heart Disease. O-kay?

   Once a person gets that 5% damaged heart disease……there no way ever to get Rid of that 5% heart damaging, right?

   I mean, I’m saying, once anyone gets 5% – 10% of their Heart damaged by Gum disease…..there no way to make that person’s Heart 100% healthy again, right?

   His or her Heart will always stay only 90% or 95% in good health. No retrograting back to 100%, right??

   • ANSWER:
     Gum disease can cause abscesses in the gums and then this bacteria in the mouth can get into the blood stream. Once in the blood stream it is possible for the bacteria to stick to walls of the arteries or valves in the heart. The bacteria can multiply (colonize) and/or attract white cells and platelets to the site causing a buildup of plaque. The plaque can obstruct blood flow or if on a heart valve, impede function.

     In addition to dentists, veterinarians are also always promoting health hygiene and dental cleaning in pets. Pets can have a shortened life because of bad teeth and cardiac disease. Not to mention bad breath…..which can lead to less interaction with their humans which can decrease their quality of life…. but I digress….. Or maybe not. Taking care of your teeth can probably also improve your quality of life because more people might want to hang out with you

     And don’t forget, the heart is a muscle and some healing can take place.

8. QUESTION:
   Can you get diseases from gum?
   Can you get a disease from touching gum under a desk, shopping cart, or stuff like that even if it is dry?

   If you touch it and touch your mouth or something, can you contract a sickness?
   You can’t get sick from the dried gum??

   • ANSWER:
     not a disease.. no silly…lol.. germs only
     gum with saliva dies quickly after exposure to air,, it’s only germs use hand sanitizer.. u’ll be fine.

9. QUESTION:
   Is the gum diseases and other diseases that you get for not flossing likely or not very likely to happen?
   I was born in a very poor, little country, the people there don’t floss! Ever since I moved to US I never floss! I just follow the tradition and culture of my country not the US. The only time I do floss is at the dentist place an when I can feel food between my teeth. So is gum diseases and other diseases for not flossing going to happen to me in the future? Is the disease likely or not very likely to happen? Is there a cure for it? What is going to happen to me if I get that disease?
   Sorry for telling you guys about my past, which, I bet, most people doesn’t care. You don’t have to answer all of my questions, but if you can please do! I’m just trying to give you guys as much information as possible so you can answer my question with an accurate answer. PLEASE DON’T SAY MEAN THINGS! I know they’re some people out there who are going to be rude! If your answer doesn’t relate to my question at all like the answer, “idk” or “thanks for the 2 points” then don’t answer at all!

   • ANSWER:

10. QUESTION:
    how can i get rid of my gum diseases?

    • ANSWER:
      Depending on how advanced your gum disease is, it may be reversible with regular cleanings and check ups; brushing 3 times a day and flossing at least twice a day (once before bed) at home. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake will also help. If your gum disease is advanced, then it is necessary to have a deep cleaning and more frequent visits to the dentist, possibly even seeing a periodontist (gum specialist) for treatment.

11. QUESTION:
    What are systemic diseases that cause alveolar bone loss?
    I have been slowly losing bone in my jaw over many years. I do not have gum disease. My dentists are perplexed. Despite getting my teeth cleaned 4X a year, they have not been able to control it. I do have a significant open bite, but x-rays do not show evidence of a traumatic occlusion. I have recently seen an endocrinologist to explore systemic causes of bone loss. I have so far ruled out sarcoidosis and osteoporosis. Are there any other diseases I should be screened for? I did find out that I was vitamin D deficient so am taking vitamin d supplements. There are no signs of inflammation on my gums. They are pink and firm.
    No, I am not on fosamax. I had a dexascan and my numbers are fine. What type of autoimmune disease causes you to be allergic to your own teeth?

    • ANSWER:
      It could be wisdom teeth coming in combined with lack of calcium/vitamin D that could cause the jaw to recede which together cause teeth compression and bite disortions. A bite disortion will cause the teeth to bite down crocked causing jaw resession from the teeth as well as could cause loose teeth or even pockets of jaw bone to disappear around the teeth roots. I had this situation and I am trying hard to save two incisor teeth. 1000mg Vitamin D daily. 1000mg calcium daily. Exercise is most important for your body will only process food that the body demands from continued exercise. Stop drinking coffe or soda. No more candy/sugar. Drink Orange Juice in morning, milk in morning and night. Rinse/Brush after each meal, and before bed. Hydrate your body with water after exercise. Change the pillow case you sleep on at least each week. Might also change pillows for this could be a nightly source or irritation.
      Shower before bedtime too.

12. QUESTION:
    What are bleeding gums a sign of other than gum disease?
    Like the slightest pressure causes them to bleed.

    Biting into food like apples and some times bananas.

    I dont want everyone to post the obvous bleeding guMs is gum disease. What else can cause bleeding gums? Like illnesses or anything? Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Hello
      bleeding gums can be caused by Injury or trauma such as improper brushing and flossing and irritation from acidic drinks and medicines. Gum disease as you have bypassed. Mouth sores can cause sore gums and clotting disorders of the blood and hemophilia, and leukaemia can cause bleeding as well. Liver and kidney disorders and vitamin C which is low is another possible cause. Being pregnant can make your gums bleed from time to time too. Taking pills can make your gums bleed which thin the blood. So it can be caused by many many things.

13. QUESTION:
    what is the relationship between sinus, gum diseases and gastric (ulcer)?

    • ANSWER:
      I heard fungus is the relation
      or TMJ
      candida/thrush..fungal parasites in the guns andsinuses are related to ulcers..increasing or usually decreasing stomache acid (a lot of acid reflux iscaused by NOT ENOUGH acid in stomache look it up)
      when you rid yourself of fungus… your sinuses and gum disease can clear up….
      TMJ causes all sorts of problems!!! all of those you listed, look that up too.
      me Ihave both
      TMJ and Fungus,..and a myriad of horrible results.
      including… sinus, thrush, acid reflux, gerd and list is too long.
      the teeth grinding, or clenching…. caused my sinuses to not drain properly and difficulty swallowing….. mouth breathing, due to nose clogged.. caused..tongue thrust.and a new overbite..its all related.

14. QUESTION:
    How do you know when you have been cured of gum disease?
    Using home remedies, what are the indications that you are cured of gum disease?

    • ANSWER:
      Those people are mental. Of course gum disease can be cured. I just came back from the dentist office 3 hours ago, and they were talking to my brother about it. They said after about 3 weeks of brushing, flossing, and using a non-alcohol based oral rinse, you will be considered in good oral health. You know that you’re teeth are healthy for sure when your gums are more of a pink color, your gums don’t bleed, and when the front of your teeth feels clean with nothing on it. Almost like water.

      Hope this helps!
      Chantelle

15. QUESTION:
    what is the best way to cure gum disease?
    My friend would like to know how can she cure gum disease. Will salt and warm water be better than using salt mixed with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide? Which is the best solution? And she would like to know what 50/50 is when to mix the solutions. And she heard the Crest Pro Health toothpaste and Crest Pro Health mouthwash is better than other toothpastes and mouthwashes and as long as she flosses as well. She wants advice from a real professional who knows about this type of situation. Thank you.

    • ANSWER:
      There are two things you can do that will help with this problem far more than treating it with a bunch of chemicals and drugs. The problem is a degenerative problem and to treat the symptoms is to create a temporary fix. Get some Neem Oil and Neem Bark and mix them together to make a paste. Put that on the gums all around morning and night. You should see results in a few days, not weeks. You will be amazed at something so simple as this can make such a huge difference. And this solution is far faster, less painful, and far less expensive than seeing a dentist.

      Then make sure you are digesting well. The lack of hydrochloric acid in your stomach will cause you to have plaque build up on your teeth. See a Certified Nutritional Therapist and they can help you greatly to make sure you are digesting well.

      good luck to you

16. QUESTION:
    What kind of mouthwash should I use to get rid of gum disease?
    I need to cure my gum disease (I’m worry about losing my teeth), so I need to know which mouthwash or mouth rinse works the best. Please recommend me the brands that work the best or are the most effective.

    • ANSWER:
      If you really want to get rid of gum disease I would start by getting a deep cleaning of your teeth. The dentist will scrape the tartar that collects on your teeth from deep below your gums and makes them smooth so the gums hug them better. It is a little expensive and it will hurt a little but it is good for you and just about everyone needs to have it done once in a while. Then floss every day, and Listerine is about as good as any kind of mouthwash.

17. QUESTION:
    What kind of treatment do you think I will need for my gum disease?
    After researching it online, I have concluded that I have some type of gum disease. I’m still waiting to go to the dentist. If some of my adult teeth are slightly loose, do you think the scaling and root planning will do the trick? Or will I need something more serious like the surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      Please dont take any antibiotics on your own…..THESE ARE OF LITTLE HELP when long-term results are considered. These might suppress your symptoms for a while but are not worth it until unless prescribed by a qualified dentist.
      Gum diseases are very easy to manage in the early stages. Most of times, Scaling is just required and sometimes root planing also. Sometimes we tell the patient at the beginning of the treatment that gum surgery will be required. But when we go along ….we find that just after scaling and root planing …..supported by patient’s home oral care regime….the gums are returning to their normal health.

      Secondly, about your mobile teeth…..the degree of this mobility can only be found out by a thorough dental examination and also with the help of a x-ray.

18. QUESTION:
    What types of health physical problems/symptoms can you experience due to gum disease?
    I have not been feeling well and I’m trying to explore if my symptoms could be related to gum disease. I am a diabetic and have other health problems. My symptoms are difficult to define, but include: shakyness or a type of tremor right when I wake up in the am, naucea, cold sweats. Can symptoms like this be related to gum disease or cavities?

    • ANSWER:
      A situation that you need to be aware of is subacutebacterialendocarditis (SBE). This is a bacterial infection that has a portal of entry through your gums. It attacks your mitral valve of your heart and is serious. See your dentist right away.

19. QUESTION:
    Is there a known link between gum disease and fertility problems?
    I know that gum disease can cause problems in pregnancy like premature births. Does anyone know if it can cause problems in trying to conceive?

    • ANSWER:

20. QUESTION:
    Is therr a mouthwash that can help bad gum disease?
    I’m afraid to go to my dentist (because i dont know if i actually have gum disease,but by the pain in my gums i think i do) so i want to improve/cure my gum disease before i go for serious help.

    I know mouthwash can’t cure gum disease but i heard that it helps.. Is there any other way i can improve my gum disease?

    I just started flossing and i have braces.. Please help thnx !

    • ANSWER:

21. QUESTION:
    Can I avoid gum disease from smoking by brushing my teeth?
    I heard that smoking can lead to gum disease. Can I avoid it by brushing my teeth alot?

    • ANSWER:
      Do yourself and your lungs a favor quit smoking… I’m not dit n you cause I’m a former smoker myself. Been clean 11 months.=)

22. QUESTION:
    Can my 18 month old baby have gum disease?
    Can my 18 month old baby have gum disease? She just turned 18th months and I have finally stoped breast feeding her. She drinks the regular milk now and eats grown up foods like chicken, peas, pasta. Is there a remedy for this.

    • ANSWER:
      If you don’t brush her gums/teeth daily (I hope you started doing this a long time ago) she will have poor dental hygiene and could have tooth decay and gum disease.
      Babies are supposed to go to the dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in. Just FYI, so you can take her…I didn’t know this either until I researched it.

23. QUESTION:
    Can this be described as gum disease or any other mouth infections?
    A few days ago my brother formed a white patch on the roof of his mouth which is very painful and causes trouble when eating. He hasn’t got the best dental hygiene and very rarely brushes his teeth. Could this be gum disease or does anyone know of anything else it could be?

    PS. He’s 13.

    • ANSWER:
      A white patch can be a lot of things. But my hunch is he has oral thrush.

      Make sure he goes to see a dentist to get a diagnosis as some white patches can be pretty sinister. Also your dentist will be able to help him get it sorted.

24. QUESTION:
    How can you tell if you have gum disease?
    My gum has been hurting? Do I have gum disease? Please answer with true facts.
    Thanks, Marnie Panda friend.

    • ANSWER:
      Gum disease is often evidenced by bleeding gums. Pain can be from food irritation, to harsh of brushing, a food particle caught under the gum line. If you are younger, you probably do not have gum disease and this will go away in a few days.

25. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to get braces if you have gum disease and loose teeth in their sockets?
    My 13 year old daughter needs braces, but she has gum disease and complains that her teeth are a bit loose. These are not baby teeth by the way. Will it be possible to get braces? And if she does, is there a risk of losing those teeth for good?
    Oh and this gum disease is hereditary. She brushes and flosses everyday. My husbands side of the family doesn’t have the best teeth.

    • ANSWER:
      Have you had a preliminary visit with the orthodontist yet? They may not recommend traditional braces due to her periodontal problem. Sounds as though she would be a good candidate for invisalign though. Traditional braces make your teeth even harder to clean, but the invisalign is removeable, so she could brush and floss as she normally does. Without knowing if she has any bone loss (the usual reason for loose teeth), I couldn’t guess as to whether she would lose any teeth. I hope not! 13 is really young to be experiencing this problem.

26. QUESTION:
    Is there any way i can get rid of gum disease without going for a root canal or buying products?
    i’m 15 and i can’t afford to go out and buy things,and i can’t go to a dentist .i think i have gum disease,but it’s not that bad.is there anyway i can get rid of it?

    • ANSWER:
      If you have gum disease your gums would be swollen and pink/red. Root canel is for your teeth not gum. Simply brushing with toothpaste and flossing regularly are steps to keeping a healthy mouth.

      Go to the local library to research gum disease or a county dental clinic and they have plenty educational booklets that they can give you.

      Attend a health fair or go online to research gum disease and prevention. Both are free.

27. QUESTION:
    How do I know if I have gum disease?
    What are the symptoms of gum disease?
    Do teeth ache if you have gum disease?
    How long after brushing your teeth/flossing does your breath start to smell bad, after few minutes, hours, is it immediate or does it always smells bad?

    • ANSWER:
      It all depends on the stage of the disease..
      Gum Scaling (not teeth scaling) would help prevent/slow down the progress.. And wash with bicarbonate of soda and salt water.

      Also use a gum stimulator to massage your gums.

28. QUESTION:
    Can you get cancer or gum disease from the bagged chewing tobacco since there isnt as many additivies as cans?
    a friend told me that the bagged tobacco is a healtheir option as to the cans (i.e. skoal/cope etc) becasue theres not as many uhm idk additivites? is the bagged chewing tobacco a healthier alternative and can it be cancer forming or gum disease forming?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes – not good

29. QUESTION:
    So is good oral hygiene best known way to treat gum disease?
    I can’t exactly afford to go to a dentist these days but recently my gums have started bleeding really badly

    I looked up gum disease and every website said the same thing; practice better oral hygiene. Brush twice, use mouthwash, floss ect.

    But is that all there is to it?? I would really like a dentist’s opinion on this, thanks x

    • ANSWER:
      Bleeding gums is a good indicator that your oral healthcare regimen could be improved. I always advise my patients to brush at least twice daily and floss at least once a day (nighttime is ideal for this). Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash is also great for eliminating germs and bacteria.

      These things are all great- but it’s also important to try and schedule routine dentist appointments for proper cleanings and examinations. I realize it isn’t cheap, but the truth is that a dentist is your best means to combat plaque, tartar and diagnose/correct periodontal issues in the early stages. By not having tartar etc removed by your dentist, you risk gum disease, which can be even more costly and annoying to treat.

      Your best bet is a comprehensive regimen of good brushing, flossing, and rinsing, in coordination with professional care

      All the best,
      Dr. Mac

30. QUESTION:
    What are the side effects of gum disease?
    I know a 62 year old man who has gum disease. could anyone tell me the side effects for it? Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Tooth loss, bone loss in the mandible and maxilla. Researchers have found that people with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from coronary artery disease as those without periodontal disease. Also the risk of stroke is higher in those with periodontal disease.

31. QUESTION:
    What are the symptoms of gum disease?
    Specifically, are bleeding gums a symptom of gum disease? What else is a symptom?

    • ANSWER:

32. QUESTION:
    Can gum disease be linked with a toothache or sinus pressure?
    How can i numb the tooth pain from gum disease and sinus pressure? Without seeing a dentist cause i dont have insurance right now. It comes and goes

    • ANSWER:
      If you need a dentist – better go now or it will cost more in the long run!
      If it’s only sinus probs’, try a sinus cleanse or nasal irrigation – here’s a link to one I just started using and it’s helped to relieve pressure in my sinuses.
      If you have a maxillary sinus infection this can actually cause tooth pain in the upper molars.

      http://www.neilmed.com/pdf/ppnasalirrigation.pdf

      All the best!

33. QUESTION:
    Why is an electric toothbrush considered essential if you want to reduce tartar and gum disease?
    I have read that brushing your gums and teeth too hard can reduce enable and cause your gums to recede but have been told that an electic toothbrush is essential if you want to reduce tartar and gum disease. I would think that the electric toothbrush would be considered the same as brushing your teeth too hard. Seems to contradict. Anyone?

    • ANSWER:
      No, an electric toothbrush is not essential.

      What is essential for preventing tartar buildup and gum disease is to keep plaque off your teeth.

      Sticky white plaque is a soft mass of germs stuck on your teeth, and it takes about 12 hours for it to turn crusty into tartar from the calcium bicarbonate in your saliva. So the trick is to brush off the plaque before it has a chance to turn crusty.

      That means you should brush your teeth, tongue and gums thoroughly after each meal, and before going to sleep, using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Floss every night, eat less sugary foods, have regular checkups every 6 months to have a dentist or hygienist pick off any tartar that accumulated.

      If you use a manual toothbrush properly, it should not cause gum recession.

34. QUESTION:
    My dog has a gum disease and his inside cheek has swelled up big?
    He is 17 year old with heard disease. My vet can not take a risk of putting him under anesthesia to do a teeth cleaning. Instead, my vet has been giving my dog an antibiotic. However, his teeth ( gum ) is getting worse and now to a point his one side of his cheek is swelled up. How can I treat this perhaps with home remedy safely ?

    • ANSWER:
      Hi

      I’m not aware of a home remedy for this. You might talk to your vet about trying a different antibiotic, in hopes of getting a better result.

      best of luck,
      Rebel

35. QUESTION:
    What gum disease leaves a spot?
    I have a gum disease which is painful under pressure to my gum. I originally thought it was gingivitus but there’s a brown dot on the gum underneath one of my teeth. what type of gum disease is this?

    • ANSWER:
      You have to monitor if the spotting is temporary or permanent.

      Brown dot can appear because of bleeding in the tissue area also.

36. QUESTION:
    what are the symptoms of gum diseases in the teeth?

    • ANSWER:

37. QUESTION:
    what are the statistics of gum disease?
    I once read that like one in 20 people don’t brush their teeth properly and have gum disease. Im just wondering how many people suffer from gum disease in the world what are the statistics?

    Thanks for answering?

    • ANSWER:
      I’m wondering if knowing this valuable information would impress upon you to brush your teeth more often.

38. QUESTION:
    Is there a link between gum disease and infertility?
    I have been trying to get pregnant since 2005. I have a son who was born in 2004, so I know I am able to have children.

    I was recently diagnosed with mild gum disease (for which I am having scaling and root planing done today).

    My question is, since gum disease can cause other problems in the body, could it also be affecting my fertility?

    • ANSWER:
      Hi, I’m a dentist.

      To my knowledge, there is no known link between gum disease and infertility, however there also has not been any research conducted concerning this particular topic.

      Based on what is currently known about the systemic effects of gum disease (that it causes a heightened level of generalized, systemic inflammation), I would hypothesize that there is no direct link.

      Consult your Obstetrician to confirm you are still fertile. Things can change more quickly than you think. By age 30, a woman is 33% less fertile than at age 17.

      Good luck.

39. QUESTION:
    what will i do? i have mild hemophilia and a gum disease?
    i have mild hemophilia, a bleeding disorder. then i have also gum disease. i already went to the dentist several times last year for medication. but they are afraid to clean my teeth for it might be bleeding. although they clean but not thoroughly because they are afraid. i have to go to hematology first before having dental medication. now, i felt so hopeless. is there a cure for my disease? i have been suffering this gum disease for already two years now. i hope my gums will be back to normal. Please give me some advice regarding what should i do.

    • ANSWER:
      There is no cure for periodontal disease/gingivitis when you get it.The gums receed away away from the teeth.

      Some treatment options include surgical transplants and antibacterial packets surgically implanted in the gums to help kill the bacteria. I researched it myself and the gum transplant which is actually a skin graft almost always fails and it’s very painful and expensive.

      I would call around to look for a D.D.S., M.S. – that means doctor of dental surgery and maxillofacial surgery.

40. QUESTION:
    How often does “the pill” cause gum disease?
    I am just asking because I may be put on the pill on tuesday and just read that it can cause gum disease. How often does it do this? and how can it be avoided?

    Thanks
    Ps. I brush twice a day, use floss and use mouthwash

    • ANSWER:
      It is excellent to hear that you are vigilant with your oral hygiene.

      The oral contraceptive pill does have a negative effect on the periodontium (gums). The pill contains hormones: progesterone and oestrogen. Your gums contain receptors for these hormones, so when they are present, your gums become more inflamed. This effect is dose related, and also related to the length of time you are on the pill. It is not related to levels of plaque in this case. The pill does not increase your levels of plaque in your mouth, nonetheless, it will affect the levels of gingivitis, and potentially increase levels of gum disease.

      I’ve attached a link to a very good study on the effect of the oral contraceptive pill. It found that those ladies who took the pill for between 2 and 4 years, had around 2.4x the loss of gum attachment. For those who had taken the pill less than 2 years, there was little difference to those ladies not on the pill.

      The effect of the pill is always there. However, you can minimise the effect on your gums by cleaning as best you can, and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning as your gums will become more irritated more easily while taking the pill.

      There have been plenty of studies undertaken which show this effect clearly.

41. QUESTION:
    What are the causes of gum disease?
    My mom’s just told her she has gum disease and might lose few teeth in the next few years. I think it has to do with her smoking but I want to know for sure be I say it to her.

    • ANSWER:
      There are a lot of contributing factors to gum disease including oral hygiene, tobacco use, etc. A person that doesn’t brush twice a day and floss regularly acquires a buildup of plaque on the teeth. This plaque in turn calcifies and hardens and forms calculus, also known tartar. The bacteria that lives on this calculus causes swelling and redness as the immune system tries to fight off the bacteria. The bacteria invades the surrounding tissues, and as the immune system kills bacteria, it actually begins destroying health tissue and bone as well. This is what leads to bone loss and recession, which are collectively referred to as periodontal disease or gum disease. It could be poor oral hygiene that led to her diseased state. However, tobacco does play a role as well. Tobacco stains the teeth and dries out the mouth, which creates a rough, drier surface for the plaque to stick to. Tobacco also reduces the amount of bleeding typically seen with gingivitis, the precursor to periodontal disease, so she may have missed out on a red flag that something was wrong before it was too late.

      I see this every single day, and it saddens me, because it is 100% preventable.
      For more information, you can check out the website below:

      http://www.perio.org/consumer/smoking.htm

42. QUESTION:
    What are the odds of me having gum disease?
    hi, a part of my gum seems a little darker but i do not feel any pain and there are no other strange symptoms. What are the odds of me having gum disease and is treatment painful? I have a dentist appointment but i am just very paranoid

    • ANSWER:
      I had the beginning signs of gingivitus during my braces years. Since the doctor caught it early i was able to treat it with listerine mouth wash twice a day until it finally dissapeared while brushing my gums gently daily.

      Since your gums don’t bleed when you brush your teeth and its not painful to eat chances are if you do have gum disease it’s not severe.

      But see your dentist soon, if you do have early gum disease you maybe able to treat it with out any severe treatment, perhaps listerine maybe

      —my grandma and dad had gum disease. In order for them to clean out the bacteria they had to cut into the gums and clean out the infection. Of course it doesnt hurt during the process because your numbed with lots of novacane. After surgery there will be some throbbing where you had the oral surgery but pain medication can fix that. Plus gums heal rather quickly, nothing to fear.

43. QUESTION:
    Can a lesbian get gum disease from sex?
    Small question to our lesbian sisters: Have you ever gotten gum disease from sexual contact and what did it look like? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      mouth disease (HFMD) is due to an infection( i dont know that whether or not a girl can catch such..by kissing or..) that usually causes a typical illness, including a typical rash. It is most commonly caused by the Coxsackie A16 virus.(which is very dangerous) Some cases are caused by a different,(not by chewing someone elses gum), virus called enterovirus 71. Rarely, the same illness is caused by other strains of the Coxsackie virus.

44. QUESTION:
    How does gum disease give you heart disease?
    How does gum disease give you heart disease? They seem so completely unrelated.

    • ANSWER:

45. QUESTION:
    I have a gum disease and it feels like its under my tooth?
    Hello i have a gum disease in the lower right jaw and its has bin re accuring for about 3 weeks. It feels like its under my tooth and it hurts like no other. Im going to dentist tomorrow but i don’t know what they will do, can someone tell me if this is serious cause it hurts and ive tried everything and the only thing that’s keeping that pain down is just rinsing it out with water. Can someone tell me what the dentised will do?

    • ANSWER:
      If you have gum disease, that means that you have very deep pockets. This occurs mostly from lack of brushing and it is also genetic. This problem can be treated by periodontal cleanings every 3 months and gum treatment. There are a few options for Periodontal disease. First a deep cleaning is done – Scaling and root planning. Then there is medication which is put into the pockets called Arestin. Or the last option is gum surgery and bone grafting. It is very important to treat gum disease because it can lead to extreme bone loss where your teeth will become loose and need to be removed and unfortunately need to be replaced with a denture. No denture that will be made can be as good as your natural teeth.

      You may also want to see a Periodontist who is a gum specialist.

46. QUESTION:
    Where can I find periodontist that offers LANAP-Periolase treatment for gum disease in the Philippines/Asia?
    I have heard of LANAP (Laser Assited New Attachment Procedure) from a periodontist in the US that it is another option for treating gum disease with no cut, no sew, no pain as compared to the conventional gum surgery. I have gum problems that was told I will need gum surgery and I am afraid to do it. So I am looking for an alternative to this. I am wondering if LANAP is available in the Philippines or in Asia?

    • ANSWER:
      perhaps you could try searching with google or bing. just type in is LANAP available in the Philippines or in Asia. i assume you have internet access since you are on yahoo…

47. QUESTION:
    when i leave for Basic Combat Training and go to reception can the army disqualify me for having gum disease?
    i have gingival recession/gum disease and am scared that when i leave for BCT and they check me out at the reception battalion they will disqualify me. I would get it fixed before i leave but my medical will not cover it and i cant pay out of pocket. it would be cool to get an answer from a recruiter or someone that would kno for sure but anything helps.

    • ANSWER:
      Depends on how bad it is. You’ll have another physical at MEPS before you take off for Basic. If it’s bad enough you wont go to Basic until you take care of it otherwise they’ll send you to recption where you’ll be pulled aside get treated at Reception and join the gimp platoon until your fit enough to start Basic. Good Luck and enjoy the ride.

48. QUESTION:
    I have a gum disease called periodontal disease, it has weakened my teeth, can my teeth be strong again?
    I have got a gum disease called periodontal disease and my teeth feel weak because of this, i have to get a deep clean (Scaling). This will leave a gap where the calculus have been removed and will leave my teeth quite loose. Will the gap close up and will my teeth strengthen? If not, how can I strengthen them?

    It scares me as I can’t even bite through anything with my front teeth unless the food is really soft, like bread for instance.

    • ANSWER:
      It is not your teeth, it is the foundation that is deteriorating. You have lost bone due to perio disease. Bone cannot grow back. That stuff HAS to be scaled off so it will not destroy what ever bone is left. Once you go through this process and your oral hygiene improves, you will no doubt be advised to show up for cleanings every three or four months, this is called perio maintenance. And this is forever now. All you can do, is stop it where it is and be very religious about your home care and keeping dental appointments. The gums will shrink down and firm up a bit without all that calculus sitting there. But the “gaps”, as you call them, will not fill in, bone is gone, never to return. Teeth that are really loose can be splinted together with bonding if needed. There are other things you can do if you end up losing a couple due to mobility. No worries, just follow their instructions to the tee, you cannot afford not to at this point. Yes, taking the calculus off will make your teeth loose, but leaving it there will make them “gone” in no time. So remember, it is not your teeth that are the problem, it is their foundation, ie…bone. They will tighten up a bit once you have a more healthy situation, possibly. It is hard to say without knowing the severity of the disease and the class of mobility. But hang in there, you will have a lot of dental homework to do for a long long time if you want to keep them.
      Peace

49. QUESTION:
    does gum disease affect one side of the mouth or the whole of it?
    does gum disease affect your whole mouth or just one side of the mouth? cause my lower right side of my mouth is swollen. i can see two puncture marks on the inside of my cheek too, looks like a spider bite, but the internet says other wise. i don’t know what to believe, spider bite or gum disease?

    • ANSWER:
      You need to see a dentist and never get medical advice online.

50. QUESTION:
    Does salt help you treat your gum disease?
    I have gum disease and am trying to get rid of it now. I am brushing and flossing about four times a day now but my mom also proposed I put salt on it. After doing that, my gums don’t bleed as much anymore, but they hurt so much more. Is salt something used to help treat gum disease or am I just agitating it?

    • ANSWER:
      Hot salt water rinses are still a standard treatment after dental surgery to help keep it clean and help healing. 1 teaspoon of salt to 8 ounces of hot water.

      I suspect part of the pain issue is that you’re brushing and flossing 4 times a day; all that “action” has things in a total uproar, agitated and that’s what is causing the pain. Flossing twice a day is plenty; morning and night. Don’t brush hard, use a soft toothbrush. Brushing hard and with a hard toothbrush will make problems worse.

      And whatever you’re doing should be under the guidance of a dentist. Take tylenol or advil for the pain until you can see a dentist.