The following dental information pages answers your questions on gums, gingiva, and gum diseases.

Does professional cleaning or removal of
tartar cause loosening of teeth?

Teeth are held firmly by the gingiva and the supporting bone of the periodontium. Bad oral hygiene results in the formation of plaque. If plaque is not removed in time it calcifies to form a hard mass called tartar/calculus. Professional cleaning removes this tartar and arrest further destruction of supporting bone. However, tartar deposit often hold together teeth that have already been weakened by chronic gum disease and mask existing tooth mobility. Therefore removal of the tartar deposit at this stage may give a false feeling of teeth becoming loose. Nevertheless removal of tartar deposit is only the first step towards periodontal health.

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What are the common signs of gum diseases?

Common signs are bleeding, red and swollen gums. Irrespective of the person's complexion, the gums should never be red, or be swollen. Persistent bad breath, receding gums, increasing spaces between the teeth, one or more teeth becoming loose, and vague aching, itching or discomfort around the gums are some of the other common signs.

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Is gum disease the only cause of
bad breath (halitosis)?

Gum diseases are the main source of bad breath; other causes include diseases of the sinuses, lungs, stomach and throat infection.

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Is it true that some medications cause
swollen gums as side effects?

Yes, some drugs like Dilantin sodium taken for treatment of Epilepsy result in swollen gums. These conditions often require surgical excision of the swelling constant maintenance treatment

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Do all people require professional
cleaning of teeth?

As keeping the mouth clean is not an easy job almost everybody need professional cleaning. But this kind of cleaning is essential particularly for those who are unable to prevent tarter accumulation on their teeth.

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Can mouthwashes prevent gum disease?

Mouthwash reduces the amount of bacteria present in the mouth and provides an opportunity for the gum to heal. However mouthwashes can be harmful if used for prolonged time without professional monitoring.

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Is it necessary to massage the gums after
tooth brushing?

It is a good habit to massage the gums after brushing, for it improves the blood circulation to the area and helps it to maintain health.

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Does pregnancy cause gum disease?

During pregnancy some change in hormonal level in the body does occur. This causes the gum to be hypersensitive and therefore over react to any local irritation. Even in the presence of small quantities of plaque the gums get inflamed. Some times big localized swelling may form. A few weeks after the birth of the child when the mother's hormonal level comes to normal the periodontal condition usually returns to the situation that existed before the pregnancy.

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Do children develop gum diseases?

Yes, but it is not common. However children with very poor oral hygiene do get gum disease.

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Can vitamin deficiency cause gum diseases?

Yes, Vit C deficiency is known to cause a condition known as Scurvy.

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Does habits like pan, beetle nut chewing,
smoking affect the gingiva?

Yes, the ingredients present like lime, tobacco and other byproducts can stain the teeth, help plaque accumulation and irritate the gums. Some ingredients in pan has been shown to cause cancer in the mouth.

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What effect does diabetes have on the gums?

Uncontrolled diabetes can make the gum more prone to periodontal disease. Diabetes patients also suffer from delayed healing of the gum tissue.