Everytime I have my teeth cleaned, my gums bleed ALOT. I have healthy teeth (I have never even had a cavity), but my mother has Periodontal disease, a type of gum disease that is causing her teeth and gums to become infected and abscessed. Could this be the start of Periodontal disease? Is Periodontal disease genetic?

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Is gum Recession always caused by periodontal disease, or could it be caused by something else? If it isnt periodontal disease, what could be causing it?

Could it be excessive flossing? If I stopped flossing, would the gum recession stop, or would it continue regardless of that?
If it is this MGD problem, would a periodontist/dentist refer me to someone else, or would I need to seek out a specialist myself?

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I always hear that tobacco smokers have a greater risk of developing many different dental and mouth problems. I realize that smoking stains the teeth brownish yellow and causes bad breath(besides causing many serious diseases), but how exactly does it lead to tooth problems like causing cavities and gum disease? Please note, I am a non-smoker, but some people in my family smoke. Does the same go for marijuana smokers, or only tobacco smokers?

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I have read a lot about periodontal disease. I understand it is an advanced stage of gum disease: accumulated plaque on your teeth and gums attacks the gum and the bone.

But plaque can be removed by professional cleaning, and good oral hygiene helps to prevent accumulation of plaque.

So, why is periodontal disease chronic then? Why can it be treated but not cured?

Thanks.

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Hello everyone!

Published statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 27% of children and 29% of adults are living with untreated cavities. Many know they have these cavities, but because they are lacking affordable dental care coverage, they are left untreated. This is a very unhealthy practice. Whether you have full coverage dental insurance or a discount dental plan, you need dental care as a part of your overall health regimen. Healthy teeth reflect a healthy body. Unhealthy teeth reflect an unhealthy body.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), researchers have found that periodontitis (the gum disease that can cause tooth loss) is associated with stroke, cardiovascular disease, and bacterial pneumonia. Other reports show an unhealthy mouth may be linked to diabetes. Without regular dental care including cleanings and check-ups, small cavities or painful teeth often lead to tooth and gum decay resulting in not only tooth loss, but these much more serious conditions.

It is bad enough that you will lose your teeth if you do not seek dental care, but you may also be affecting your brain, heart, and immune system. Mark Feldman, the president of the ADA states that “so many Americans still lack access to basic oral care” and calls it a “disgrace”. Feldman also states that there is a need to “get better dental care to the millions of Americans who don’t receive it.”

Dental care is not a luxury. It is a necessity. I took a friend to the dentist a few weeks ago to get a wisdom tooth pulled. The oral surgeon pulled the tooth and found the culprit that caused the tooth to rot… a popcorn hull. Both my friend and I were astounded that something so small and seemingly insignificant could cause tooth loss. Then I asked her when the last time she went to the dentist was. Her response: “Ten years ago, because I didn’t think I could get an affordable dental plan.” Enough said.

- Ken S.

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