Do not foolishly believe that gum disease is something you should not be concerned about. The fact is MOST people have some gum disease. Since it is the leading cause of lost teeth, it is not something you want to fool around with.
Do not join the ranks of people who have lost teeth and had dentures and implants installed and still don't know the reason they lost their teeth was due to gum disease!
As many doctors are fully aware: Many people are headed for expensive periodontal (gum) treatments and they just don't know it. Look at the office lobby of any periodontist and you will understand how widespread this problem is.
In this video we reinforce the concept that plaque is the enemy and that the plaque continues to come back again and again. It is a fight that must be fought every single day. Failure to do so, is usually a step backwards.
The plaque is a living 'biofilm' and it forms an oxygen shield. When this happens the 'bad bacteria' have a chance to reproduce rapidly and produce more and more acidic toxins which can ultimately have the effect of destroying surrounding tissue.
If too much of that tissue, including the bone, is destroyed, the tooth or teeth can become loose. This is a disaster. Implants can be very costly.
Many people have gum disease right now and many (most) do not know it. In fact, there are people who have lost teeth and now have implants and they still don't know or understand that the reason for losing the teeth was gum disease.
Gum disease is the number one cause of tooth loss. It is possible to lose teeth through accidents or very severe cavities. However, gum disease is the far, far in the lead when it comes to tooth loss.
I believe the book is one that every family should have o their book shelf. Since dental professionals tell us that 3 out of every four or about 75% of people have gum disease, there is a good chance that you or someone you love will need this information.
If you can save yourself from even one expensive treatment or toot replacement you will be far out in the lead.
If you have any questions, I can be reached at the number below
The 'biofilm' is just another term for plaque. The bacteria build it themselves. When it builds up sufficiently, they start to rapidly multiply. This time may vary slightly, but most experts think 24 hours is about right.
That means, you need to disrupt that plaque at least once every 24 hours or it will achieve the environment that allows for rapid growth. That would be the 'shielded from oxygen' state that anaerobic (oxygen shunning) bacteria love.
So, how do you know that you are doing a sufficient job of that? You will want an objective measure. That measure is the periodontal pocket depths. You should know what they are and if you do not, then you should ask your dentist to measure them for you.
They should be measured on every visit. Generally speaking, most doctors will say your gums are healthy if all of your pocket depths are 3mm and below. If not, generally speaking, most doctors will say that your gums are not healthy.
Over time, a bad situation tends to get worse. Pocket depths increase, more tissue destruction occurs and the teeth lose more support. One day the tooth may become loose. After that, it could fall out.
So the daily disruption of plaque is important.
Tooth Loss
Gum Disease Is the number one cause of it. There is nothing else that comes close.
This is why I think it is important for people to know about this topic. Some people are quick to say 'brush and floss'. While those are helpful and should be continued, the reality is that there are plenty of people out there who brush and floss faithfully but they still end up with gum disease.
So, perhaps the perception that 'brushing and flossing' is all that you need, should come to an end.
Learn what you can now, in order to save money, time and pain later.
Before you ask, I do indeed get tired of talking about it. But, it is necessary for the benefit of others to hammer some key points over and over again.
When you are trying to reach people with genuine and helpful information, it ends up being this way, as there is no other way.
The big key points, and please pay attention, are:
1. Gum Disease affects 75% of people right now. Ask any hygienist. She will have any number of horror stories to tell you. I know one hygienist that quit. She told me that she was tired of looking at what she called the 'oreo cookie' look that people have in their mouths.
In case you are wondering, she is talking about excessive tartar build up. Hygienist are the unsung heroes of dental care because they are constantly removing that stuff for people.
They know that under that tartar and / or plaque build up, unhealthy populations of bacteria love to grow. In fact, these bacteria created the plaque and tartar. They are constantly trying to build and establish a suitable environment in your mouth in which to proliferate themselves.
Think there is no intelligence at the cellular level? Think again. 2. Gum Disease Is The Number One Cause of Tooth Loss
Nothing else even comes close. Accidents, cavities or anything else are far in the distance. Gum Disease is out in front. And It would love to have all of your teeth.
75% is a big number. The disease progresses (usually slowly and over time) and people lose gum tissue. They think it is a 'normal' part of aging. NOT TRUE. The final step is for the tooth to either fall our or be pulled. I can only point things out, it is up to the individual to learn more about this problem. Learn More