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It is
caused by sticky plaque and hard deposits of tartar. It usually happens
when the teeth and gums are not kept clean enough. If you have very bad
gum disease, you may have inherited it or you may have a problem with your
general health which needs to be investigated.
Thorough brushing can remove sticky plaque.
Scaling and polishing can remove hard tartar.
Without regular cleaning, the gum will
come away from the tooth, making pockets
around the teeth where food and plaque
can collect. Pockets are more difficult
to keep clean so gum disease will usually
get worse if nothing is done.
.
- It starts
with inflammation — redness
and swelling. Dentists call
this gingivitis. It can be
cured with good oral hygiene.
- The next stage
is called chronic periodontitis.
Some of the bone that supports
the teeth is lost and the
teeth become loose until they eventually
have to be taken out. Periodontitis
cannot be reversed once
it starts but it doesn’t
have to get worse if you clean your teeth properly and have regular
root planing from your dentist or
hygienist.
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treatments > |
What is it? 
