Are you one of the many who aren’t keeping up with good dental hygiene, which includes daily brushing, rinsing and the ever terrifying flossing? It is highly recommended by your dentist for a good reason. Gum disease threatens every mouth that isn’t properly taken care of everyday. What is gum disease and how do you prevent it from infecting your mouth? For many people it isn’t even a passing thought, but knowing about it can help prevent possible gum surgery in the future.

Gum disease in an infection of the supportive tissues and bones of the teeth. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, followed by periodontitis, which is a worsening of the first stage. Gingivitis isn’t always painful, but usually causes bleeding, swollen gums. Periodontitis affects the gums, but also the bones that support the teeth. Spaces are formed in which bacteria settles down and grows, affecting the bones supporting the teeth.

When your gums become swollen and/or tender or they begin to bleed when brushing and flossing, then it is time to visit the dentist and ask “what is gum disease?” For some people, it is one of those genetic diseases that is passed down through generations; however, there are ways to prevent gum disease. This includes: practicing a good diet, abstaining from tobacco products and stress, and practicing good oral hygiene. But, if you do notice your gums beginning to hurt, then it may be a sign that you do, in fact, have gum disease.

Keeping up with good oral hygiene is essential in reversing of the first stage of gum disease, gingivitis. But, if you do happen to hit stage two of gum disease, never fear, as your dentist will have solutions for you. These solutions can include antibiotics to rid your mouth of any infections, a simple (sometimes painful) process called root planing and scaling, or if the disease has progressively become very bad, then oral or gum surgery. So, what is gum disease? It is what happens to our mouths when we don’t take good care of our teeth and gums. Don’t forget to visit your dentist for regular check ups.

By Oral Care Editor




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Related posts:

  1. Advanced Periodontal Disease – Useful Information
  2. Periodontal Gum Disease
  3. How To Treat Gum Disease Gingivitis
  4. Gum Disease Treatment – Your Options
  5. What Causes Gum Disease


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