What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is not a pleasant experience. Anyone who has ever experienced it knows this. In this article, we will briefly describe the most common gum diseases and provide some tips on how to prevent and treat these unpleasant conditions. When it comes to oral health, daily habits are very important.
Gingivitis
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that is characterized by inflammation of the gums. Symptoms may include bleeding, redness, swelling, and bad breath. It is a gum disease that is extremely common.
Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease that leads to bone damage and tooth loss. Symptoms may include bleeding, bone loss, tooth loss, and pain.
Bleeding gums are one of the most common symptoms of gum disease. You need to react as soon as you notice blood coming from your gums. Bleeding is most often a symptom of periodontitis – a disease that attacks the tissues connecting the gums to the tooth. Periodontitis can be caused by bacteria that accumulate at the edge of the gums. Very often, they accumulate when we do not brush our teeth thoroughly, then the bacteria from food residues left in our teeth can lead to damage.
Gum disease and diabetes
People with diabetes may experience gum disease more often and have more complications. This is because diabetes weakens the immune system, making it easier for infections to develop. So if you have diabetes, you should pay extra attention to the health of your gums.
How to prevent gum disease?
To enjoy healthy gums for many years, brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day. The best way to remove dirt fibers from your teeth and gums is by simply brushing them. Brush your teeth for two minutes, avoiding too much pressure on your gums. Also, use dental floss. The dirt that can't be removed between your teeth by brushing your teeth can be removed with dental floss. Flossing not only completely removes food and other debris from in between your teeth but also prevents the growth of bacteria in your teeth and gums. Also, try mouthwash. Mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria in your teeth and gums, but they are not a substitute for regular dental checkups and brushing.
Our diet is also important for the health of our teeth. In order not to expose your gums to damage and disease, reduce your sugar and alcohol consumption. Increased sugar or alcohol consumption can worsen the condition of your gums and increase the risk of gum disease. Therefore, it is worth limiting their consumption or giving it up completely. Also, avoid all forms of smoking. Smoking tobacco, including cigarettes, can irritate the gums and affect their condition, which increases the risk of gum disease.
It is very important to visit your dentist regularly. Regular visits to the dentist can prevent gum disease or help treat the initial symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease is very treatable if caught early, so please contact us today and make an appointment with our clinic to discuss your oral health!