Free dental care, free dental clinics, affordable dentistry for low-income and needy without insurance

periodontal disease

You are browsing the archive of dental articles on subject periodontal disease.

Subscribe to WorlDental Newsletter for more useful information about dental health, affordable and free dental care events.

A 3 Unit Bridge vs. Dental Implant for Replacing Single Missing Tooth

A 3 Unit Bridge vs. Dental Implant for Replacing Single Missing Tooth

Replacing one single missing tooth with a 3 unit bridge was the most effective tooth replacement treatment prior to dental implants becoming available. This particular type of dental bridge comprises of three prosthetic teeth joined alongside each other in a row, the tooth in the centre bridges the gap with the false teeth on each side being attached over 2 healthy natural teeth. Although this type of treatment previously considered as the most affective available treatment for decades, with other more advanced dentistry options available it is no longer regarded as the best possible type of restorative dental treatment in many cases.

No Comments | Read full story »

Previous Stories

    Modern Periodontal Disease Treatments Techniques

    When damage of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth occurs, the patient is most likely struggling with periodontal disease. Unfortunately gum disease is the number one reason for tooth loss in adults, and according to several medical statistics as much as 90% of those aged 35 and older are struggling with some sort of periodontal complications.

    Dental Marketing Tip: Patient Acquisition and Retention through Newsletters

    It’s a fact: People love to get mail that does not require sending money. Admit it. When you receive a handwritten letter or a postcard or a newsletter in the mail, you either tear into it first, or else you save it for after the boring bills and junk mail are taken care of. Chatty mail is something to read that gives you a bit of insight into the sender’s thoughts.

    The Possible Causes of Chronic Bad Breath

    There are millions of people throughout the world currently struggling with bad breath complications, and most probably this is why there is such a wide array of breath freshening products available.

    Progressive Utah Dentist Uses iPad App to Engage Patients in Dental Care

    As the dental industry becomes increasingly tech-savvy, the movement has grown beyond the typical tools of the trade. Even decidedly consumer-focused technologies like the iPad are finding their way into the contemporary dental practice. For one progressive Utah dentist, a new app is enabling him to wield the iPad as part of his treatment protocol to engage—and even entertain—patients with their own care.

    Who Needs Dental Care? Everyone!

    Having good teeth and healthy gums provides overall good health, and studies have shown that oral hygiene is critical to maintaining a healthy body. Reports by all dental sources and surveys indicate very strongly that poor dental maintenance leads to poor health and potential fatal results due to infection if not addressed in a timely basis.

    Dentists to Help Patients Avoid Developing Diabetes

    The responsibilities of the dentists slowly stretch beyond their field of expertise. For example, dentists can perform the test that measures the amount of glycated hemoglobin in the blood (HbA1c test), but they might also run tests for diabetes.

    Gum Disease and Fertility Issues in Women Interconnected

    It happens quite often that women underestimate the importance of a good oral hygiene. According to a new research, the time which is needed for a woman to get pregnant is extended by as much as two months, if she struggles with gum disease complications.

    Geriatric Dentistry: Beautiful Teeth at Any Age

    Geriatric dentistry is that branch of medicine which provides oral health care to older adults. Seniors always confront themselves with more oral health related problems than a younger person, so this is why a special branch needs to offer these people all the care that they need.

    Women Have Better Dental Health, Study Shows

    According to research findings, women are the ones who pay much more attention to their oral health than men. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), women are going more frequently to the routine dental checkups, and they also are more likely to visit the dentist immediately as they go through an injury or when they feel sick.

    Untreated Gum Disease Can Easily Lead to Stroke and Heart Attack

    In the past several years there have been used many theories to try and explain the fact that gum disease problems are associated with heart complications. One of these theories says that the bacteria that can be found in the mouth actually enter the bloodstream, and they attach to the plaques of fat on the arteries that can be found around the heart.

    Gum Disease: A Threatening Public Enemy?

    Currently, between 24% and 33% of the American adults are affected by major gum disease. Moreover, there are 7,500+ Americans dying of oral and throat cancer on an annual basis, and there are 35,000 new cases of such cancers diagnosed every year.

    Seniors Assisted Living and Oral Health Care

    One very important thing to keep in mind when putting the elders in a long term care facility is the oral health. Most of the people who send their parents in such facilities forget to think about the importance of proper dental care for their elderly parents.

    Matters of the Law: Patient Sues Dentist for Neglect

    In a dental malpractice lawsuit that involved plaintiff Harry Berkowitz and defendant Dr. Dennis Miller (D.D.S), the plaintiff asked for compensatory damages from the doctor on charges of supervised neglect that has caused him periodontitis and he needed extensive restorative surgery.

    Researchers Found Periodontal Disease Drug Can Help Treat Osteoporosis

    Recent breakthroughs in research performed by a team of highly trained experts in the dental health field, revealed that a drug, commonly given to patients with periodontal disease, could also be used to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

    How to Fight Gum Disease, Periodontitis

    Periodontal (gum) diseases (translated literally as “damage of tissues that surround the teeth” – that is, gum and bone tissue that support the teeth) are contagious diseases, which are the main cause of tooth loss in adults.

    Tooth Extraction Procedure, Postoperative Problems and Care

    If you can’t restore these teeth with conservative methods of treatment, the dentist will have to remove them. Tooth extraction procedure enjoys a reputation of a very painful one, but it is absolutely wrong. After tooth extraction, the dentist gives some advice to patients to minimize possible postoperative problems.

    Non-Alcohol Mouthwash Decreases Preterm Birth Cases

    A new study has found that use of non-alcohol antibacterial mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) decreases the incidence of preterm birth (PTB).

    Straight Teeth and Bright Smile From The Early Childhood

    Charming, beautiful smile among children and adults can be very attractive and prepossessing. Prolonged finger, nipple or other objects sucking can lead to malocclusion.

    Dental Implants In An Hour: New Surgical Procedure May Help With Tooth Loss

    Until recently, there was little oral surgeons could do for the roughly 30 million Americans living with tooth loss, but now a groundbreaking procedure could give more patients a reason to smile. A revolutionary surgical procedure allows a person without any teeth to regain a full set in just an hour.

    Remove Plaque by Flossing

    Flossing helps to prevent gum disease and it cleans places on the teeth where an ordinary toothbrush can’t reach. Brushing is a good beginning, but flossing is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth.

    Six Signs of Periodontal Disease

    Many people are completely unaware that they even have periodontal disease. Prior to the occurrence of a pain and a major symptom, this problem may have already begun.

    The Best Solution for Lost Tooth is Dental Implant

    People lose teeth all the time as a result of illness, injury, and aging. The loss of a tooth results in an open space between your teeth and is more than simply a cosmetic issue. But, the solution is not only dentures or partials. The fact is that dental implants are the best solution for tooth loss.

    Tooth Loss May Lead to Reduced Cognitive Ability

    Researchers have recently published a study that analyzes the effects that periodontal disease and tooth loss have on the decline of cognitive abilities. The outcome determined that there may be a link that will undoubtedly give patients and dentists a cause for increased effort associated with a person’s dental health.

    Gum Grafting for Receding Gums Treatment

    Gums make one of the most important parts in your mouth, and a part of it contributes to your smile. Many people who suffer from severe gum disease, often see the recession of the gums, and a greater part of tooth is exposed, which not only causes sensitivity when extreme hot or cold foods are taken, but also doesn’t look good when the person smiles.

    Mutant Gum Disease Bacteria Provide Clue to Treatment for Alzheimer’s

    A new invention in the research study of Alzheimer’s disease; a defective mutant strain of a bacterium that is responsible for gingival or periodontal disease can provide clue for the effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

    Little-Known Mouth Fluid May Help Detect Early Gum Disease

    Recent studies on the gum diseases revealed that the gingival crevicular fluid, an altered serum transudate produced at the gingival sulcus can give a hint on the upcoming diseases of gum. Non invasive tests done with this inflammatory exudate can reveal a lot of facts about mild and severe periodontal diseases which may lead to teeth loss. This is an in expensive test that anyone can afford.

    Diabetes May Be Reduced by the Gum Disease Treatment

    A new study has found that the treatment of serious disease of the gums in people who suffer from diabetes helps to reduce their blood sugar levels.

    Two Methods for the Receding Gums Treatment

    While gums that are receding are usually a typical part of growing older, many people may notice them much earlier than is normal. Gums that recede may be due to genetics but they can also be the result of periodontal gum disease or harsh brushing, which is known as toothbrush abrasion.

    Tooth Loss and Periodontal Disease May Cause Cognitive Decline

    Researchers at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) link tooth loss and periodontal disease to cognitive decline in one of the largest and longest prospective studies on the topic to date, released in this month’s issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

    Genetic Testing for Oral Disease; New Frontiers in Dental Care

    For years, dentists have always told their patients that if they took care of their teeth and their health, they could avoid problems like gum disease and oral cancer. As it turns out, it’s not so simple. Recent research has revealed that genetic factors play a bigger role than one may think.

    Genetic Links to Periodontal Disease and Dental Caries Formation

    Research has found that certain ethic groups and families demonstrate a propensity for developing periodontal disease and caries. Now dentists are wondering if they should question the oral health of a patient’s parents in addition to posing questions about whether or not the patient has excellent brushing practices and if the patient uses medication or drugs.

    Oral Inflammatory Diseases and Diabetes are Linked

    A link has been identified between individuals suffering from diabetes and oral inflammatory diseases; a recent study conducted in Canada suggests that there is an interaction between the two conditions.

    Gum Bleeding: Dental Care or Die?

    Women with gum disease are almost three times more likely to give birth prematurely than those with healthy gums, according to more than a decade of research. But scientists are still uncertain how significant a risk dental bacteria is to healthy pregnancies – or how to save foetuses from potentially deadly exposure.

    Seniors Oral Care, Health and Dental Insurance

    Seniors face a lot of dental health issues that can be easily remedied with the appropriate seniors dental care. Poor dental health care in seniors can result in issues like gingivitis, halitosis, periodontal disease, broken teeth, tooth bone loss, and teeth can become stained and yellow too.

    57% Of Canadians Want Bright Smile, But Only 4% Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene

    Unbelievably, despite the fact that a healthy looking smile is highly desired, a recent survey indicates that a mere four percent of Canadians actually engage in regular, proper oral hygiene practices.

    Periodontitis and Prostatitis: What’s the Connection?

    The general causes cited for the onset of prostatitis include immune system difficulties, disorders of the nervous system, emotional stress, injury to the prostate, and infection. Now, recent research published in the Journal of Periodontology suggests that there is a significant connection between periodontitis and prostatitis.

    The Perio-Cardio Connection, Relationship Between Heart Disease and Gum Disease

    Gum (periodontal) diseases are chronic bacterial infections that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and, if left untreated, can lead to serious health problems including heart disease.

    Fish Oil May Help Prevent Gum Disease

    Fish oil has anti-inflammatory actions that may help prevent periodontal gum disease and improve dental health, found recent study published in the journal Nutrition.

    Scientists Find New Clues to Bacteria Responsible for Periodontal Disease

    A scientific discovery at the University of Louisville uncovers a new mechanism how P. gingivalis, a bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. The discovery could have implications for treating periodontal disease, an infection that leads to the destruction of gum and bone, causing tooth loss. P. gingivalis also is believed to play a role in heart disease, stroke and other major systemic health problems.

    Does Kissing Affect Oral Health?

    Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits. Healthier mouth, saliva contains substances that fight bacteria, viruses and fungi. But Kissing may also transmit a small number of disease-causing bacteria and viruses through the oral cavity. Bacteria and viruses in the saliva or blood of one person can be spread to another person by kissing. Some diseases are more easily spread through kissing than others.

    5 Steps to Good Oral Health

    Good oral health is not only important to our appearance but also to our overall health. Cavities and gum disease may contribute to many serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and premature and low weight babies. Untreated cavities can also be painful and lead to serious infections.

    Alarming Signs of Periodontal Disease

    Periodontal disease or Periodontitis is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth. It is the inflammation of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by specific microorganisms, resulting in progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone with pocket formation, recession or both.

    Oral Hygiene and Teeth Cleaning Tips for Busy People

    It’s better to clean your teeth after every meal but it is not possible for those who have busy schedule, such people can chew sugarless gums in order to increase salivation and reduce bacterial activity.

    Essential Tips to Remove Dental Plaque for Children and Adults

    Plaque removal is highly significant in preventing dental caries and periodontal diseases. But what is a dental plaque? It is a bacterial film that adheres to the tooth surface or denture formed after few hours of brushing, resulting in the development of tooth decay and periodontal disease.

    Gum Disease Prevention – Vaccine for Periodontitis

    Scientists from The University of Melbourne have identified candidate vaccine antigens for the wide-spread gum disease periodontitis. The advanced stages of periodontal disease is a common problem all around the world, which leads to destruction of the tissues and later tooth loss at an early or middle age, and bone loss reduces the chances of replacement with a proper prosthesis.

    Vaccine To Treat Gum Disease On The Way

    Up to 30% of Australian adults suffer from the wide-spread gum disease, which causes gums to bleed and teeth to fall out. The condition has also been linked with heart disease, stroke, adverse pregnancy outcomes, dementia and cancer. Australia’s leading biopharmaceutical company, has today announced that a vaccine to treat severe gum disease is being developed.

    The Truth About Halitosis, Bad Breath

    All of us have experienced bad breath at some point. However, suffering from chronic bad breath, or halitosis, can be embarrassing and affect your self-esteem and relationships with family, friends and coworkers. The good news — bad breath is often preventable and easily treated

    Causes and Care for Swollen Bleeding Gums

    Swollen gums are abnormally increased, obtruding, sometimes bleeding gums that may involve one or more papillae, triangular-shaped bits between surrounding teeth. Usually the gingival swelling reaches significant levels, blocking completely the teeth.

    New Painless Treatment For Receding Gums

    Tufts dental researchers conducted a three-year follow-up study that examined the stability of a treatment option for receding gums and found that complete root coverage — the goal of the surgery — had been maintained. This specific tissue regeneration application, developed at Tufts, reduces the considerable pain and recovery time of gum grafting surgery.

    Erectile Dysfunction Might Be Associated With Chronic Periodontal Disease

    A deeper study into the subject can discover ways to find or prevent one disease by other disease symptoms. The same can be said about erectile dysfunction and chronic periodontal disease. First steps into the problem has already been done.

    Sufferers from Rheumatoid Arthritis May Ease Pain with Dental Care

    According to a study appeared in the Journal of Periodontology, people can diminish any pain connected with the severe rheumatoid arthritis just by taking care of their dental health. It is possible to have less arthritic pain and not to suffer from swollen joints when treating gums in the right way.

    Scientists Find Shared Genetic Link Between Dental Disease Periodontitis and Heart Attack

    The relationship between the dental disease periodontitis and coronary heart disease (CHD) has been known for several years. Although a genetic link seemed likely, until now its existence was uncertain. Now, for the first time, scientists have discovered a genetic relationship between the two conditions.

    Implant Dentists Warn Tooth Loss Can Harm Your Health

    Half of US Adults Are Missing One or More Teeth. A startling rise in adults with missing teeth is becoming a serious health concern and could have significant long-term consequences, according to the American Society of Implant Dentistry.

    Immediate Load Dental Implants Proven Successful

    Three case studies published in the Journal of Oral Implantology (JOI) showed that immediate-load implants in healthy patients were successful and remained functional after 30 months of follow-up.

    Dental Implants Placement Results in Minimal Bone Loss

    Dental implants are frequently used as a replacement for missing teeth in order to restore the patient’s tooth function and appearance. Previous research demonstrates that the placement of a dental implant disrupts the host tissue in the area of the implant, so practitioners often focus their treatment planning to carefully maintain the patient’s bone and gum tissue surrounding the implant.

    New Laser Technique to Treat Periodontal (Gum) Disease

    Not wanting to resemble one of his former patients, Davis put off Weeks’ recommendation for surgery. But earlier this year during a visit to Weeks’ office, Davis learned about a new technique to treat periodontal disease – Laser Assisted New Attachment Program (LANAP) developed by Millennium Dental Technologies.

    10 Most Healthy Foods for Teeth

    We eat and we think that food affects our teeth badly. And we are right. But, are there any foods that help keeping our teeth healthy? Is there anything that not only keeps but makes our teeth look and be better? Of course there are such products, and this article is made to describe them.

    Obesity Associated With Periodontal Disease

    Investigators from the Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Puerto Rico asked “Is there a prospective association between obesity and periodontal disease?”

    How To Fight Gum Infection, Things You Need to Know

    A beautiful smile depends on how healthy is the teeth. Today great percentage of human population is suffering from tooth decay due to many underlying factors. One of these factors is gum infections. Gum Infections will turn into a tooth decay and later loss of tooth.

    Patients With Diabetes May Lower Medical Costs Treating Gum Disease

    A new report suggests that treating gum disease in patients who have diabetes with procedures such as cleanings and periodontal scaling is linked to 10 to 12 percent lower medical costs per month.

    Avoid Periodontal Disease, When You Should See Dentist Immediately

    Many researches and studies reported a great importance of periodontal care and recommended an evaluation with the periodontist if a person is experiencing any of the following symptoms that may be signs of periodontal disease

    Dieting May Reduce Risk of Gum Disease, Mostly for Older Men

    University of Maryland Dental School study of diet and gum disease bears out powerful link between chronic inflammation and poor health. For men, especially older men, dieting may help reduce the risk of gum disease more than for women, according to a new study by researchers at the University of Maryland, Baltimore and other institutions.

    Good Dental Care Cuts Risk of Heart Disease

    New research reveals that a protein associated with inflammation (called CRP) that’s elevated in people at risk for heart disease may be found in infected gums.

    Control Type 2 Diabetes and Complications With Gum Care

    According to recent studies conducted by some experts poor dental health increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Periodontal disease and diabetes are two diseases that correlate with each other. Individuals with type 2 diabetes must take care of their teeth and gums in order to control the diabetes.

    Periodontal Disease Treatment, Healthy Gums

    Periodontal disease treatment is needed after the state of gingivitis reaches the point of infection. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth and pockets of inflammation and infection begin to build. The body’s enzymes and bacteria will try and fight off the infection that is growing under the gum line, but eventually will begin to eat away the bone and the tissue that is holding the teeth in place.

    Natural Gum Disease Treatment And Prevention

    There are several inflammatory diseases that affects periodontium (soft tissues around the teeth) they are called periodontitis or gum disease. This condition leads to loose of teeth if not properly treated.

    What is the relationship between plaque, dental caries (cavities), and gum disease?

    Question What is the relationship between dental plaque, dental caries (cavities), and gum (periodontal) disease?

    Receding Gums Cure And Treatment

    Although receding gums with age are typically a normal occurrence, many people may notice them much earlier than usual. Receding gums are often the result of wear and tear or years of aggressive tooth brushing. However, sometimes receding gums can be a sign of something more. In many cases, receding gums are caused by periodontal disease (gum disease).

    Tobacco Cause Periodontal Disease

    Recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease. In addition, following periodontal treatment or any type of oral surgery, the chemicals in tobacco can slow down the healing process and make the treatment results less predictable.

    Gum Disease And Increased Cancer Risk

    Researchers have found a link between gum disease and a significantly increased risk of cancer, in both smokers and non-smokers.

    Save On Expensive Dental Care – Canadian Experience

    Mertens was told that to treat his gum disease, replace bridgework, plus add a few new crowns and fillings, the cost would be $38,000. My enterprising editor then went surfing on the Internet and found another surprise. He Googled his way to a list of what were called “Dental Vacations”. How you can have your teeth fixed in Costa Rica, Mexico and other locations for a fraction of the price and also take a vacation at the same time.

    50% of Korean Suffer From Gum Disorders

    According to the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation, about 20 percent of the subscribers have visited dentists over gum disorders. Experts assume the number of those who have periodontitis, but do not have medical treatment could be up to 50 percent of the population.
    Moreover, Prof. Park Sung-hee of Hallym University said that people over 35 years old have 75 percent more chance to have gum disease.

    Stop Tooth Loss

    Loss of all natural permanent teeth (edentulism) substantially reduces quality of life, self-image, and daily functioning. Although tooth loss results from oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis, it also reflects patient and dentist attitudes, availability and accessibility of dental care, and the prevailing standard of care.

    Connection Between Gum Disease and Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Pneumonia

    Gum disease (periodontitis) can contribute to these illnesses through a spillover of bacteria and inflammatory agents from the mouth into the bloodstream, which carries them to the rest of the body.

    Tips and Techniques for Eliminating Bad Breath

    Millions of people suffer with bad breath. The good news is that with proper understanding and proper dental care bad breath can be virtually eliminated! Bad breath or halitosis usually originates from certain foods we eat or bacteria in our mouths that feed on left over food particles. Find out these easy tips and techniques for preventing and eliminating bad breath.

    Taking Control of TMJ Disorder

    You may not have heard of it, but you use it hundreds of times every day. It is the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), the joint where the mandible (the lower jaw) joins the temporal bone of the skull, immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head.

    Periodontal Disease May Cause Diabetes

    Serious dental disease could lead to diabetes, according to American researchers. It is known that people with diabetes are more likely to have bad teeth. But the US study suggests chronic periodontal disease may itself increase the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes.

    Save Your Life – Visit Dentist

    More than just a pretty smile, clean teeth and gums are a sign of total body health. And those painful sessions with the dental hygienist could save your life, new findings suggest.
    Most people know that the tedium of good oral hygiene — regular brushing, flossing and trips to the dentist’s office — reduces tartar, plaque, cavities, gingivitis and bone loss and helps the breath smell like roses.

    Healthy Food for Healthy Gums

    Believe it or not, the foods you consume can affect your smile as much as brushing or flossing. Every time you eat sugary or starchy foods, the bacteria in plaque get another chance to form dental decay-causing acid. And bad breath can make you want to hide even the most pristine teeth. But choosing foods that naturally fight bacteria, remove plaque, strengthen enamel, and freshen breath is a good way to preserve your pearly whites.

    Travel, Save Money And Treat Your Teeth

    Americans have been finding ways around high medical and dental costs by jet-setting around the globe to countries where doctor’s fees are lower and recovery is more than lying on a couch at home watching soap operas – it’s lying on a beach in the sun, relaxing the day away.

    Marijuana Affect on Health and Cause Periodontal Disease

    In a recent study by the school of dentistry at The University of Otago, New Zealand, periodontal disease was linked to over 900 people who smoked marijuana at least forty times a year since they were 18 years old.

    Yogurt May Prevent Periodontal, Gum Disease

    Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki and colleagues found that consuming yogurt and lactic acid drinks was significantly associated with better periodontal health.”But, milk and cheese were not,” Shimazaki said.

    Serious Gum Disease that Could Be Deadly

    Sadly, most people think that it’s normal when gums bleed. Well it’s not! If you washed your hands and they started to bleed, wouldn’t you get a little worried? Of course you would, yet most people don’t get worried about bleeding gums because no one is telling them it is serious gum disease that could be deadly!

    Calculus or Tooth Tartar Removal Procedure

    Calculus or tartar is a hard, yellowish deposit on teeth. It is composed of mineral salts, food, and other debris that has hardened over time. Tartar cannot be brushed off. It has a rough surface, attracting more debris and food particles, causing a repeating cycle of tartar formation and buildup.

    Tooth Abscess or Root Abscess – Infected Tooth

    A root abscess typically originates from dead pulp tissue, usually caused by untreated tooth decay, cracked teeth or extensive periodontal disease. A failed root canal treatment, may also create a similar abscess.

    The Truth about Teeth Cleaning and Deep Tooth Cleaning

    As for personal dental care teeth cleaning is, of course, the most beneficial thing you can do to your teeth and minimize dentist visits. Most people have been teeth brushing twice to thrice a day since childhood. But because teeth brushing is such a daily routine few people actually stop and think about the proper way of doing it.

    How Can You Stop Receding Gums

    Every morning you brush your teeth in order to keep them healthy and cavity free. But did you know that you could actually be ruining your teeth and gums in the process? Two out of three people apply too much pressure when brushing their teeth. This overzealous brushing actually destroys gums by driving gum tissue away from teeth.