What is a Gum Disease? What are its Symptoms and its Treatment?

Gum disease is more common than most people think, as medical research indicates that about 80 percent of people have periodontal disease at some level. The differences range from mildly inflamed gums to more severe conditions that can affect how we eat and chew. Some more serious forms of gum disease can lead to tooth loss and further disease and illness.

Gum disease can be prevented in some cases and the effects can be reduced or stopped in many individuals. But the improvements depend on the level of care each person gives to teeth and gums. Start paying attention to dental health now and prevent further damage.

Those Darned Bacteria

As with many health conditions in human beings, gum disease can be caused by the presence of unwanted bacteria. Many of these invaders can be eliminated before they cause damage. Regular brushing and use of a mild mouthwash can go a long way toward preventing serious gum disease. Regular visits to the dentist are also necessary to maintain oral health.

If people don’t pay enough attention to their teeth and gums, layers of plaque may build up. This helps trap the bacteria and gives them a place to thrive. In addition, the warm, moist tissue of the gums is a perfect place for bacteria to thrive. When gums become inflamed and swell, you are probably suffering from gingivitis. While this condition is serious enough, it is considered a rather mild type of gum disease. When these symptoms appear it’s time to start taking special care of the teeth and gums.

More Problems

If the early stages of gum disease aren’t treated, the condition may advance to something even more serious. Dentists call this advanced condition periodontitis. When an individual not only has red, slightly swollen gums but also sees that gum tissue is pulling away from the teeth, gum disease has entered the next level. Infection around the teeth is quite possible.

As our systems try to fight the bacterial infection, we may experience pain and discomfort. Without proper treatment this condition can cause bones and teeth to deteriorate. Tooth loss is a real possibility.

Do Something

As mentioned earlier, regular brushing is essential. Flossing to clean the areas between the teeth is also crucial. Regular visits to the dentist should part of the treatment and prevention program. It’s also important not to use tobacco and to eat a balanced diet.

Make sure that you visit your dentist and discuss cleaning and other treatments that can halt gum disease and prevent further damage. Professional cleaning may be the only way to get teeth and gums back to their normal state when gum disease has already started. It’s possible to get some help from prescription medications and mouthwash products that a dentist can recommend.

When it comes to gum disease, prevention is the surest way to healthy teeth and gums. When the condition is too far advanced to treat in the ways already described, surgery may be a final option.