Healthy Eating
Your A-Z Guide to Healthy Eating Resources
Learn to eat healthy by using our recipes, cooking how-to's, and dietitian advice. Whether you want to know the healthiest restaurant eats, which chicken recipes are low in fat, or if you should take a vitamin D supplement, we have the answers to all your nurtrition and cooking questions. Follow our healthy eating plans to get all the benefits of a balanced diet.
Healthy Cooking Tips
Healthy Eating: Getting Started
A Cookout Plan to Impress Your Friends Without Busting Your Diet
How to Make Your Own Spring Rolls
What is a Superfood?
9 New Superfoods for Women
Your Guide to Cold Season: Immune-Boosting Vitamins and Superfoods
The Top 5 Superfoods for Women of Any Age
A Superfood a Day: Two Weeks Worth of Disease-Fighting Foods
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Weight Loss
Is Exercise Necessary for Weight Loss?
Why exercise has proven to be effective at maintaining weight loss.
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You probably read headlines this year that screamed: “Why Exercise Won't Make You Thin!” Those stories were based on a controversial Public Library of Science study that showed women who exercised regularly for six months were no more likely to lose weight than women who didn’t work out at all.
Related links:
- 3 Secrets to Losing Weight and Keeping It Off
- How to Lose Weight When You Hit an Exercise Hurdle
- Reward Yourself to Lose Weight Faster
How could that be? We all know that exercise burns calories; an hour on the treadmill torches 300 to 500.
Here’s the deal: Much of what was written about the study was misleading, says its lead author, Timothy Church, MD, director of preventive research at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The study didn’t focus on calories; all participants followed their regular diets.
What the study showed, Dr. Church says, is that exercise alone, especially if you eat poorly, may not help you lose weight. “Exercise doesn’t give you carte blanche to eat whatever you want,” he says. “People think an hour on a treadmill burns off a whole chocolate cake. In reality, it’s half a slice.”
It’s true that exercising without dieting—or worse, piling on calorie-rich food just because you worked up a sweat—won’t lead to weight-loss success, agrees Susan Roberts, PhD, professor of nutrition at Tufts Univer-sity. But dieting without exercise isn’t the answer, either.
In fact, The National Weight Control Registry, a group that follows how 6,000 people have lost weight and kept it off, found that the most successful participants work out at least 30 minutes every day. The truth: Combining smart dieting and regular exercise offers the best chance to reach your weight-loss goals.
Weight Loss
What Is the CarbLovers Diet?
SHARE:Digg this ArticleShare this on StumbleUponTweet about this ArticleShare this on Facebookmore> EmailPrint
The editors of Health magazine have big news for you. Our beloved carb-filled foods will not make us fat. Instead, they will actually make us thin.
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Atkins for Life
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"Carbophobia," or the fear of carbs, is rampant. Almost every woman has skipped the bread basket or a pasta dish at some point in her life. We’ve learned to fear carbs because we’ve been told for more than 25 years that foods filled with carbohydrates make us gain weight.
Well, we, the editors of Health magazine, have big news for you. There is new research—reliable, solid, groundbreaking research by the smartest minds in nutritional science right now—that reveals our old, beloved carb-filled foods will not make us fat. Instead, they will actually make us thin. We put all the research into our new CarbLovers Diet book.
Pre-order the CarbLovers Diet book!
Scientists at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for Human Nutrition, in Denver, along with a team of international researchers uncovered new evidence that revealed that eating the right carbs is the best way to get and stay slim. Other exciting new studies showed that certain carb-rich foods:
Shrink fat cells, especially in your belly
Boost fat burning
Increase muscle mass
Curb cravings
Keep you feeling full longer than other foods
Control blood sugar
Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Perhaps the most surprising piece of research was a large-scale look into the eating patterns that determine whether people will be fat or skinny over the course of a lifetime. This multicenter study of 4,451 people found out something stunning: It concluded that the slimmest people ate the most carbs (in the form of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables), and the chubbiest people ate the fewest carbs.
Getting ready to lose weight on carbs
If you’ve been convinced for years that eating carbs will make you fat, it’s going to take time for you to adjust to the new reality that they are the best things that ever happened to your waistline.
However, being a CarbLover does not mean you get to stuff yourself with bagels and cookies all day. What you’ll be doing on this plan is increasing your total intake of carbs, and upping the percentage of a type of carb called Resistant Starch in your diet. Resistant Starch is a kind of carbohydrate getting lots of attention in scientific circles these days.
Studies show that adding a little Resistant Starch to your morning meal will shift your body into fat-melting mode, so that you burn nearly 25% more calories a day. Meanwhile, you’ll eat about 10% fewer calories—simply because you’re not as hungry (foods containing Resistant Starch are quite filling)—so you end up eating less overall.
Resistant Starch–filled foods aren’t those magic, super-expensive ingredients; they’re right there, at your local supermarket. They are bread, cereals, potatoes (even potato chips!), and bananas.
SHARE:Digg this ArticleShare this on StumbleUponTweet about this ArticleShare this on Facebookmore> EmailPrint
The editors of Health magazine have big news for you. Our beloved carb-filled foods will not make us fat. Instead, they will actually make us thin.
NEXT
Atkins for Life
Page: 12 Next Page
"Carbophobia," or the fear of carbs, is rampant. Almost every woman has skipped the bread basket or a pasta dish at some point in her life. We’ve learned to fear carbs because we’ve been told for more than 25 years that foods filled with carbohydrates make us gain weight.
Well, we, the editors of Health magazine, have big news for you. There is new research—reliable, solid, groundbreaking research by the smartest minds in nutritional science right now—that reveals our old, beloved carb-filled foods will not make us fat. Instead, they will actually make us thin. We put all the research into our new CarbLovers Diet book.
Pre-order the CarbLovers Diet book!
Scientists at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center for Human Nutrition, in Denver, along with a team of international researchers uncovered new evidence that revealed that eating the right carbs is the best way to get and stay slim. Other exciting new studies showed that certain carb-rich foods:
Shrink fat cells, especially in your belly
Boost fat burning
Increase muscle mass
Curb cravings
Keep you feeling full longer than other foods
Control blood sugar
Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
Perhaps the most surprising piece of research was a large-scale look into the eating patterns that determine whether people will be fat or skinny over the course of a lifetime. This multicenter study of 4,451 people found out something stunning: It concluded that the slimmest people ate the most carbs (in the form of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables), and the chubbiest people ate the fewest carbs.
Getting ready to lose weight on carbs
If you’ve been convinced for years that eating carbs will make you fat, it’s going to take time for you to adjust to the new reality that they are the best things that ever happened to your waistline.
However, being a CarbLover does not mean you get to stuff yourself with bagels and cookies all day. What you’ll be doing on this plan is increasing your total intake of carbs, and upping the percentage of a type of carb called Resistant Starch in your diet. Resistant Starch is a kind of carbohydrate getting lots of attention in scientific circles these days.
Studies show that adding a little Resistant Starch to your morning meal will shift your body into fat-melting mode, so that you burn nearly 25% more calories a day. Meanwhile, you’ll eat about 10% fewer calories—simply because you’re not as hungry (foods containing Resistant Starch are quite filling)—so you end up eating less overall.
Resistant Starch–filled foods aren’t those magic, super-expensive ingredients; they’re right there, at your local supermarket. They are bread, cereals, potatoes (even potato chips!), and bananas.
Weight Loss
Weight Loss
Your A-Z Guide to Weight Loss
A healthy diet means the perfect balance between low-calorie meal plans, regular exercise, and eliminating unhealthy habits. There are hundreds of healthy diets out there, are we provide you with the weight loss tips an tricks to reach your goal weight. Try Health's free weight loss plans, find information about other popular diets, and get expert advice on losing weight or maintaining your healthy figure.
Popular Diets
What Is the CarbLovers Diet?
Atkins for Life
The South Beach Diet
Weight Watchers
Diet Review: Skinny Bitch
Review: Flat Belly Diet
The Mediterranean Diet
Weight Loss Basics
Preparing for Weight Loss
Why Pay Attention to Your Weight?
New Tools to Help You Lose Weight
Your What to Eat Guide
How to Grocery Shop on a Diet
6 Magic Foods for Weight-Loss
Your A-Z Guide to Weight Loss
A healthy diet means the perfect balance between low-calorie meal plans, regular exercise, and eliminating unhealthy habits. There are hundreds of healthy diets out there, are we provide you with the weight loss tips an tricks to reach your goal weight. Try Health's free weight loss plans, find information about other popular diets, and get expert advice on losing weight or maintaining your healthy figure.
Popular Diets
What Is the CarbLovers Diet?
Atkins for Life
The South Beach Diet
Weight Watchers
Diet Review: Skinny Bitch
Review: Flat Belly Diet
The Mediterranean Diet
Weight Loss Basics
Preparing for Weight Loss
Why Pay Attention to Your Weight?
New Tools to Help You Lose Weight
Your What to Eat Guide
How to Grocery Shop on a Diet
6 Magic Foods for Weight-Loss
Dental Care
Topic Overview
When is bad breath most likely to occur?
Everybody has bad breath from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. You also may have bad breath when you are hungry, when you are dieting, or after eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami.
What causes bad breath?
Many things can cause bad breath. A major cause is decreased saliva. Saliva has a cleaning action that helps reduce or eliminate bad breath. When saliva decreases, bacteria can grow, causing bad breath.
Bad breath caused by a decrease in saliva may be especially noticeable:
* In the morning. The flow of saliva almost stops during sleep. The reduced cleaning action of the saliva allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
* When you are hungry. Bad breath is more common in people who miss meals or are dieting. Chewing food increases saliva in the mouth. When you are not eating, saliva decreases and bacteria growth increases, causing bad breath.
* When you are dehydrated. When you become dehydrated, you do not produce as much saliva. The reduced cleaning action of the saliva allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
* From diseases that affect the salivary glands, such as Sjögren's syndrome or scleroderma.
* When you are taking certain medicines.
* After drinking alcoholic beverages.
Other causes of bad or changed breath include:
* Eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami.
* Smoking or using smokeless (spit) tobacco, such as snuff or chewing tobacco.
* Bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth from food caught between teeth, dentures, or dental appliances.
Mouth and throat problems that can cause mouth odor include:
* Throat or mouth infections, such as strep throat.
* Dental problems, such as cavities.
* Gum disease (periodontal disease), which may cause a metallic breath odor.
* Tonsils with deep tunnels (crypts) that trap food particles.
* Throat or mouth cancers.
Problems in other areas of the body that can cause mouth odor include:
* Problems with the nose, such as a sinus infection, nasal polyps, or an object in the nose.
* Diabetes. A symptom of very high blood sugar is a strong, fruity breath odor.
* Digestive system disorders, such as reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease), bowel problems, or cancer.
* Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
* Liver disease.
* Lung problems, such as an infection or cancer.
How is bad breath treated?
To help improve your breath:
* Gargle with water.
* Brush your teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, and gums at least twice a day with toothpaste.
* Floss your teeth once each day.
* Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
* Eat less meat.
* Do not smoke or use other tobacco products, such as snuff or chewing (spit) tobacco.
* Avoid foods and drinks that cause bad breath, such as garlic and alcohol.
* Eat at regular intervals. Dieting or missing meals can decrease saliva and cause bad breath.
* Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free mints, or drink water, especially if your mouth is dry. Try using breath sticks, which contain the ingredients found in a mouthwash and dissolve in your mouth.
* Remove dentures, removable bridges, partial plates, or orthodontic appliances and clean them once each day or as directed by your dentist. Pieces of food and germs can collect on these appliances and cause bad breath.
* Use a mouthwash for temporary relief of bad breath. Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
* Have regular dental checkups.
* Make an appointment to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) if you have frequent problems with mouth odor.
When is bad breath most likely to occur?
Everybody has bad breath from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. You also may have bad breath when you are hungry, when you are dieting, or after eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami.
What causes bad breath?
Many things can cause bad breath. A major cause is decreased saliva. Saliva has a cleaning action that helps reduce or eliminate bad breath. When saliva decreases, bacteria can grow, causing bad breath.
Bad breath caused by a decrease in saliva may be especially noticeable:
* In the morning. The flow of saliva almost stops during sleep. The reduced cleaning action of the saliva allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
* When you are hungry. Bad breath is more common in people who miss meals or are dieting. Chewing food increases saliva in the mouth. When you are not eating, saliva decreases and bacteria growth increases, causing bad breath.
* When you are dehydrated. When you become dehydrated, you do not produce as much saliva. The reduced cleaning action of the saliva allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.
* From diseases that affect the salivary glands, such as Sjögren's syndrome or scleroderma.
* When you are taking certain medicines.
* After drinking alcoholic beverages.
Other causes of bad or changed breath include:
* Eating foods with a strong odor, such as garlic, onions, or pastrami.
* Smoking or using smokeless (spit) tobacco, such as snuff or chewing tobacco.
* Bacteria and plaque buildup in the mouth from food caught between teeth, dentures, or dental appliances.
Mouth and throat problems that can cause mouth odor include:
* Throat or mouth infections, such as strep throat.
* Dental problems, such as cavities.
* Gum disease (periodontal disease), which may cause a metallic breath odor.
* Tonsils with deep tunnels (crypts) that trap food particles.
* Throat or mouth cancers.
Problems in other areas of the body that can cause mouth odor include:
* Problems with the nose, such as a sinus infection, nasal polyps, or an object in the nose.
* Diabetes. A symptom of very high blood sugar is a strong, fruity breath odor.
* Digestive system disorders, such as reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease), bowel problems, or cancer.
* Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
* Liver disease.
* Lung problems, such as an infection or cancer.
How is bad breath treated?
To help improve your breath:
* Gargle with water.
* Brush your teeth, tongue, roof of your mouth, and gums at least twice a day with toothpaste.
* Floss your teeth once each day.
* Eat a low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
* Eat less meat.
* Do not smoke or use other tobacco products, such as snuff or chewing (spit) tobacco.
* Avoid foods and drinks that cause bad breath, such as garlic and alcohol.
* Eat at regular intervals. Dieting or missing meals can decrease saliva and cause bad breath.
* Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free mints, or drink water, especially if your mouth is dry. Try using breath sticks, which contain the ingredients found in a mouthwash and dissolve in your mouth.
* Remove dentures, removable bridges, partial plates, or orthodontic appliances and clean them once each day or as directed by your dentist. Pieces of food and germs can collect on these appliances and cause bad breath.
* Use a mouthwash for temporary relief of bad breath. Swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out.
* Have regular dental checkups.
* Make an appointment to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) if you have frequent problems with mouth odor.
Dental X-rays
content provided by Healthwise
Why It Is Done
Dental X-rays are done to:
* Find problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, and dental injuries (such as broken tooth roots). Dental X-rays are often done to find these problems early, before any symptoms are present.
* Find teeth that are not in the right place or do not break through the gum properly. Teeth that are too crowded to break through the gums are called impacted.
* Find cysts, solid growths (tumors), or abscesses.
* Check for the location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have their primary (or baby) teeth.
* Plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and difficult tooth removals.
* Plan treatment of teeth that are not lined up straight (orthodontic treatment).
Without X-rays, dentists may miss the early stages of decay between teeth.
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Healthwise logo Last Updated: June 9, 2010
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry
© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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Why It Is Done
Dental X-rays are done to:
* Find problems in the mouth such as tooth decay, damage to the bones supporting the teeth, and dental injuries (such as broken tooth roots). Dental X-rays are often done to find these problems early, before any symptoms are present.
* Find teeth that are not in the right place or do not break through the gum properly. Teeth that are too crowded to break through the gums are called impacted.
* Find cysts, solid growths (tumors), or abscesses.
* Check for the location of permanent teeth growing in the jaw in children who still have their primary (or baby) teeth.
* Plan treatment for large or extensive cavities, root canal surgery, placement of dental implants, and difficult tooth removals.
* Plan treatment of teeth that are not lined up straight (orthodontic treatment).
Without X-rays, dentists may miss the early stages of decay between teeth.
PREVIOUS
Test Overview
NEXT
How To Prepare
* Share
Healthwise logo Last Updated: June 9, 2010
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Steven K. Patterson, BS, DDS, MPH - Dentistry
© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Text Size: Decrease Increase
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Health's Top Stories
Get a weekly look at the most popular stories on Health.com.
See All Newsletters
Advertisement
Click here to find out more!
Editors' Pick: Dental Care
* How to Whiten Your Teeth Naturally
* The Soaring Cost of Dental Care Is Nothing to Smile About
* How to Floss Your Teeth
* The Best Ways to Prevent Dental Problems
* 7 Factors That Boost Your Gum Disease Risk
love-your-smile
How to Brighten Your Smile
Read More
Health.com Exclusives
* 10 Diet Commandments for Pain Patients
* No Cost Strategies to Fight Depression
* How to Cope With Nicotine Withdrawals
* Got Asthma? Try Our New Asthma Word Find Game
* Surprising Heartburn Triggers
* 10 Medical Tests Women Need This Year
Gadgets powered by Google
Health Headlines from Our Partners
Health
* Hair Cells Still Present In Male Pattern Baldness
* Albuterol Inhaler Recalled Due To Mislabeling
* Ask The Doctor Monday
CNN
* Few swayed by fraud in autism study
* Doc defends retracted autism study
* What causes autism?
MSN
* Bike-Riding Ability May Distinguish 'Atypical' Parkinson's
* Rabid Stray Dog Spurs Shots for Shelter Workers: Report
* Circumcision Helps Cut HPV Transmission Rate, Study Finds
Time
* Study Linking Vaccines to Autism Is "Fraudulent"
* The Growing Link Between Alcoholism and Obesity
* The Crying Game: Women's Tears Dial Down Testosterone
AOL news
* Despite Controversy, Some Still Support Study Linking Vaccines to Autism
* Heart Attack at 16: Woman Recalls How New Heart Saved Her Life
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Gum disease
Topic Overview
Illustration of a tooth What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. It is also called periodontal disease.
The two stages of gum disease are called gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis Click here to see an illustration. (say “jin-juh-VY-tus”) is mild gum disease that affects only the gums, the tissue that surrounds the teeth. Periodontitis Click here to see an illustration. (say “pair-ee-oh-don-TY-tus”) is gum disease that gets worse and spreads below the gums to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
* Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when the teeth are brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people don't get the treatment they need.
* Periodontitis develops if gum disease gets worse. The gums pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where germs called bacteria can grow and damage the bone that supports the teeth. Gums can also shrink back from the teeth. This can make the teeth look longer. Teeth may become loose, fall out, or have to be pulled out by a dentist.
What causes gum disease?
Your mouth constantly makes a clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria. The bacteria in plaque make poisons, or toxins, that irritate the gums and cause the gum tissues to break down. If you don't do a good job of removing plaque from your teeth, it can spread below the gums and damage the bone that supports the teeth. With time, the plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that has to be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
You are more likely to get gum disease if you:
* Do not clean your teeth well.
* Smoke or chew tobacco.
* Have someone in your family who has gum disease.
* Have a condition that makes it harder for your body to fight infection, such as:
o Uncontrolled diabetes, AIDS, or leukemia.
o A high level of stress.
o A poor diet that’s low in nutrients.
What are the symptoms?
It may be hard to tell if you have a mild case of gum disease. Healthy gums are pink and firm, fit snugly around the teeth, and do not bleed easily. But mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis) cause:
* Gums that are red, swollen, and tender.
* Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
As gum disease gets worse (periodontitis), the symptoms are easier to see, such as:
* Gums that pull away or shrink from the teeth.
* Bad breath that won't go away.
* Pus coming from the gums.
* A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
* Loose teeth.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
To find out if you have gum disease, your dentist will do an exam to look for:
* Bleeding gums.
* Hard buildups of plaque and tartar above and below the gums.
* Areas where your gums are pulling away or shrinking from your teeth.
* Pockets that have grown between your teeth and gums.
Your dentist or dental hygienist may take X-rays of your teeth to look for bone damage and other problems.
How is it treated?
If you have a mild case of gum disease, you will probably be able to take care of it by brushing and flossing your teeth every day and getting regular cleanings at your dentist's office.
If your gum disease has become worse and you have periodontitis, your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth using a method called root planing and scaling. This removes the plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line. You may also need to take antibiotics to help get rid of the infection in your mouth. If your gum disease is severe, you may need to have surgery.
How can you prevent gum disease?
Gum disease is most common in adults, but it can affect anyone, even children. So good dental habits are important throughout your life:
* Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime, with a fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss your teeth once each day.
* Visit your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleaning.
* Don't use tobacco products.
If you think you have a mild case of gum disease, make sure to take care of it before it gets worse. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and getting regular checkups from your dentist can keep the disease from getting worse.
Having gum disease may increase a pregnant woman's risk of having a premature, low-birth-weight baby.1 Also, studies have found a direct link between heart disease and the bacteria that cause gum disease.2 So taking good care of your teeth and gums may have benefits beyond keeping your mouth healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about gum disease:
* What is gum disease?
* What causes gum disease?
* What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Being diagnosed:
* How is gum disease diagnosed?
Getting treatment:
* How is gum disease treated?
* Click here to view an Actionset. How should I care for my teeth when I have gum disease?
Ongoing concerns:
* What are possible complications from gum disease?
NEXT
Health Tools
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* Share
Healthwise logo Last Updated: August 21, 2009
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Illustration of a tooth What is gum disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. It is also called periodontal disease.
The two stages of gum disease are called gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis Click here to see an illustration. (say “jin-juh-VY-tus”) is mild gum disease that affects only the gums, the tissue that surrounds the teeth. Periodontitis Click here to see an illustration. (say “pair-ee-oh-don-TY-tus”) is gum disease that gets worse and spreads below the gums to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
* Gingivitis causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when the teeth are brushed. Because gingivitis usually doesn't cause pain, many people don't get the treatment they need.
* Periodontitis develops if gum disease gets worse. The gums pull away from the teeth, leaving deep pockets where germs called bacteria can grow and damage the bone that supports the teeth. Gums can also shrink back from the teeth. This can make the teeth look longer. Teeth may become loose, fall out, or have to be pulled out by a dentist.
What causes gum disease?
Your mouth constantly makes a clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria. The bacteria in plaque make poisons, or toxins, that irritate the gums and cause the gum tissues to break down. If you don't do a good job of removing plaque from your teeth, it can spread below the gums and damage the bone that supports the teeth. With time, the plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that has to be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.
You are more likely to get gum disease if you:
* Do not clean your teeth well.
* Smoke or chew tobacco.
* Have someone in your family who has gum disease.
* Have a condition that makes it harder for your body to fight infection, such as:
o Uncontrolled diabetes, AIDS, or leukemia.
o A high level of stress.
o A poor diet that’s low in nutrients.
What are the symptoms?
It may be hard to tell if you have a mild case of gum disease. Healthy gums are pink and firm, fit snugly around the teeth, and do not bleed easily. But mild cases of gum disease (gingivitis) cause:
* Gums that are red, swollen, and tender.
* Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing.
As gum disease gets worse (periodontitis), the symptoms are easier to see, such as:
* Gums that pull away or shrink from the teeth.
* Bad breath that won't go away.
* Pus coming from the gums.
* A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
* Loose teeth.
How is gum disease diagnosed?
To find out if you have gum disease, your dentist will do an exam to look for:
* Bleeding gums.
* Hard buildups of plaque and tartar above and below the gums.
* Areas where your gums are pulling away or shrinking from your teeth.
* Pockets that have grown between your teeth and gums.
Your dentist or dental hygienist may take X-rays of your teeth to look for bone damage and other problems.
How is it treated?
If you have a mild case of gum disease, you will probably be able to take care of it by brushing and flossing your teeth every day and getting regular cleanings at your dentist's office.
If your gum disease has become worse and you have periodontitis, your dentist or dental hygienist will clean your teeth using a method called root planing and scaling. This removes the plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line. You may also need to take antibiotics to help get rid of the infection in your mouth. If your gum disease is severe, you may need to have surgery.
How can you prevent gum disease?
Gum disease is most common in adults, but it can affect anyone, even children. So good dental habits are important throughout your life:
* Brush your teeth 2 times a day, in the morning and before bedtime, with a fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss your teeth once each day.
* Visit your dentist for regular checkups and teeth cleaning.
* Don't use tobacco products.
If you think you have a mild case of gum disease, make sure to take care of it before it gets worse. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy and getting regular checkups from your dentist can keep the disease from getting worse.
Having gum disease may increase a pregnant woman's risk of having a premature, low-birth-weight baby.1 Also, studies have found a direct link between heart disease and the bacteria that cause gum disease.2 So taking good care of your teeth and gums may have benefits beyond keeping your mouth healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about gum disease:
* What is gum disease?
* What causes gum disease?
* What are the symptoms of gum disease?
Being diagnosed:
* How is gum disease diagnosed?
Getting treatment:
* How is gum disease treated?
* Click here to view an Actionset. How should I care for my teeth when I have gum disease?
Ongoing concerns:
* What are possible complications from gum disease?
NEXT
Health Tools
* Share
Healthwise logo Last Updated: August 21, 2009
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Arden Christen, DDS, MSD, MA, FACD - Dentistry
© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
Dental Care
Dental Care
Dental health is about more than just pretty white teeth. Poor dental health—in particular gum disease—is linked to a greater risk of heart disease and early labor in pregnancy. The first step to having healthy teeth and gums is to floss and brush your teeth regularly.
Dental health is about more than just pretty white teeth. Poor dental health—in particular gum disease—is linked to a greater risk of heart disease and early labor in pregnancy. The first step to having healthy teeth and gums is to floss and brush your teeth regularly.
Dental Care
Dental health is about more than just pretty white teeth. Poor dental health—in particular gum disease—is linked to a greater risk of heart disease and early labor in pregnancy. The first step to having healthy teeth and gums is to floss and brush your teeth regularly.
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