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What is gingiva (gum) and its function?
The gingiva (gum) is the protective type of skin that is closely adapted
to the necks of the teeth and covers the bone holding the roots of the teeth.
There is a shallow ditch like space that separates the margin of the normal
gingiva from the tooth surface. This space is 2mm in depth and is called
gingival sulcus. It is one of the places that a dentist will carefully examine
to detect the presence of gum disease.
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Is the colour of gingiva (gum) same in
all individuals?
The colour of the gingiva is usually coral pink, but it can vary according
to the complexion of the in individual. In general, darker persons have
darker gingiva; but in some individuals there can be excess of pigments
that give the gingiva a brownish tinge. |
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Note how the gum vary in
color from
individual to individual |
How is the tooth held in the jaws?
Each tooth consists of two parts (a) the crown - that can be seen in the
mouth of the person and (b) the root that is enclosed within the bone and
the gingiva. The tooth is not directly attached to the bone, for there is
a thin, elastic and fibrous tissue between them called the periodontal ligament,
which attaches the tooth to the surrounding bone. When the tooth is used
for biting or chewing, the periodontal ligament acts like a cushion and
prevents the biting or chewing force to be directly transferred to the jaw
bone. The gingiva, periodontal ligament and the bone that encloses the roots
of the teeth are collectively referred to as periodontal tissue. |
Who is a Periodontist?
A Periodontist is a specialist trained in the care of (periodontal tissues)
gums and other tissues that support the teeth. Periodontists have years
of extra schooling and experience that allow them to use special techniques
to treat advanced periodontal diseases. |
Is it true that a normal tooth shakes slightly?
Yes it does. Between the roots of the teeth and its surrounding bone there
is a thin, fibrous and elastic tissue called the periodontal ligament. Because
of this if one holds the tooth with two fingers and tries to shake it gently,
the tooth will be felt to move a fraction of a millimeter. In the presence
of gum disease this movement increases as a result of a reduction of tooth
supporting tissues around the roots. |
Is it true that bacteria's are present
in healthy mouths?
The mouth of an unborn child is free of bacteria, but during its birth it
becomes colonized by bacteria from the mother's birth canal. Shortly afterwards
other species of bacteria are acquired from the infant's environment. The
bacteria in the infant's mouth share all the food that the infant takes
and multiply and become permanent residents of the mouth. When the child
becomes older and teeth erupt, the sulcus is also formed around the erupted
teeth. The sulcus becomes the new hiding place for some species of bacteria
while others prefer the hard surface of the teeth to colonize. The bacteria
are not harmful and the individual's teeth and periodontal tissues are free
of any disease as long as the teeth and their surroundings are kept reasonably
clean by regular tooth brushing. |
What is plaque and how does it form?
In a mouth that is not kept clean by regular oral hygiene practice, a thin,
soft, sticky colorless layer is constantly formed on the surface of teeth
and it is called dental plaque. Dental plaque is just layers of growing
mass of various types of bacteria that are present in the mouth. Dental
plaque in small quantities is almost invisible, but in large quantities
it can be felt with a tongue as a fuzzy unclean coating. If plaque is not
completely removed everyday by tooth brushing and flossing, the remaining
plaque becomes a stony crust called calculus/tartar. Calculus clings to
the teeth with such force that only a dentist or a hygienist with the help
of special instruments can remove it. |
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What causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease, is an infection of the gums caused by bacteria. These bacteria
produce toxins that irritate the gingiva, and also directly infiltrate
into the gingiva causing them to become inflamed and bleed easily. If
the irritation persists, the gingiva separate from the teeth and form
pockets. Plaque then forms within these pockets and eventually destroys
the gingiva and the underlying bone. The teeth may then become loose and
fall out or need to be removed. There are other factors that may contribute
to gum diseases. They are as follows
· Plaque traps-Decayed teeth, broken or ill fitting
dentures, crowded or crooked teeth, improper filled teeth may provide
secure areas for plaque to form, from where it cannot be removed by
routine oral hygiene methods.
· Systemic factors-Individuals with diseases such
as Diabetes, leukemia or people who are on certain medications may be
particularly prone to gum diseases, because their resistance to this
disease has been lowered and/or that their gums become increasingly
sensitive to any local irritation.
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