Gum disease
Gum disease is one of the main dental problems adults face.
Here are some things you should know about gum disease:
- It is often painless.
- It is more common in middle age than in old age.
- Most of the time, it happens slowly.
If gum disease goes too far, you may lose teeth. The good
news is that if it is caught early, gum disease can be turned around.
Here's why gum disease happens:
- Plaque builds up on your teeth every day. Plaque
is clear and sticky and contains germs (or bacteria. It forms where your
gums and your teeth meet.
- You can get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing
every day. If you don't remove plaque every day, it hardens into tartar
(also called calculus).
- Tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing.
It is a breeding place for germs.
- Too much tartar on your teeth can form tiny
pockets of infection. You can't see this infection. But over time, it can
destroy the healthy gums and bone that hold your teeth in place.
- If the infection is not treated, your tooth may
get loose. You might even be in danger of having the tooth fall out.
People who have false teeth or partial dentures can also get
gum disease around any natural teeth that are left. If you have gum disease:
- Your false teeth will not fit well over gums that
are sore, swollen or bleeding.
- Your partial dentures (or removable dentures) will
not be held firmly in place if your natural teeth and gums are not strong.
Cavities
There are two main reasons why adults get cavities:
- The fillings in your teeth are not as smooth as
the surface of your natural teeth. Tiny bits of food and germs (bacteria)
can get stuck at the edge of a filling. This can cause a cavity. Also, when
a filling breaks, the part of the tooth that is no longer covered is more
likely to get a cavity.
- Years of brushing your teeth too hard can make
your gums recede, or pull away from your teeth. Getting older can also make
gums recede. When your gums pull away from your teeth, the roots of the
teeth are out in the open. Roots do not have a hard, outer layer (enamel) to
protect them, so they are more likely to get cavities.
Adult
Dental Problems: Gum Disease and Cavities 
