Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious problem that many people just don’t think about on a regular basis. However, it’s important that you fully understand the dangers of gum disease and what you can do to prevent it before it becomes a problem for you. First you need to understand that there are different types of gum disease. 

Some of these include:

• Gingivitis - A swelling and soreness of the gums that can cause serious gum problems and disease if not treated.
• Periodontitis – different types and stages

Some symptoms and signs of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums during and after brushing teeth
• Red, swollen gums
• Receding gums
• Bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Change in the bite or in how partial dentures fit

Gum disease is a very serious infection that when left untreated can result in tooth loss and also can spread to other parts of the body. The best method to avoid gum disease is to prevent it in the first place. While it can be treated, the treatment can be very painful and expensive, depending on how severe the gum disease is. It can also result in the loss of some teeth.

Here are some tips for gum disease prevention:

• Brush regularly to avoid plaque buildup
• Avoid tobacco
• Reduce and manage stress that can weaken the body’s immune system and make it easier for bacteria and infection to grow in the gums
• Eat healthy to help the body fight off bacteria
• Avoid clenching or grinding the teeth- if you do this involuntarily (such as in your sleep), seek help from your dentist to remedy it

It’s very important that you take good care of your teeth and gums. Sometimes certain conditions such as hormonal changes, illness or certain medications can make your teeth and gums more susceptible to infection. It’s very important to take extra special care of your teeth and gums during these times to prevent gum disease.