Have You Checked Your Gums Today

Gum disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss. Gum disease in its mildest form is called gingivitis and in its severest form it is called periodontitis.

Gingivitis when treated can be reversed and the mouth returned to a healthy state. If left untreated gingivitis can advance to periodontitis.

Periodontitis involves damage to gum tissue and possibly the bone surrounding the tooth. Teeth can become loose and actually fall out.

There are several symptoms of gum disease to watch out for including frequent bad breath, reddened and swollen gums that often bleed while brushing your teeth. You may also have loose teeth, a change in your bite pattern and if you wear dentures or partials you may notice a change in the way they fit. You may notice one or more of these symptoms if you have gum disease. If you suspect you may have gum disease, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible because early detection and treatment increases your chance for reversal and the chance to have a healthy mouth again.

Those who use tobacco products, are diabetic, have crooked teeth, use oral contraceptives, or are pregnant have an increased risk for gum disease.

The best way to prevent gum disease is to practice good dental hygiene which includes brushing your teeth in the proper manner at least twice daily, flossing your teeth daily and seeing your dentist every 6 months for professional teeth cleanings and checkups.

Periodontitis is thought to be linked to increased risk for heart attacks and strokes. Seeing how periodontitis occurs because gingivitis has gone untreated it stands to reason that bacteria has been present for a long time giving plenty of opportunity for damage to have occurred. This damage may be to the bone surrounding the teeth, gum tissue and can lead to tooth loss. Poor dental hygiene is the cause of gum disease and therefore it is also the prevention for gum disease. Once periodontitis sets in, the condition is irreversible. There are treatments for periodontitis that can fix the damage, but what damage has been done cannot be undone. Gingivitis on the other hand may not need anything as far as treatment other than scaling and planing to remove calculus (hardened plaque).

It is becoming more evident as health study results are becoming public, that there is a connection between the health of your mouth and your overall health. A healthy mouth is a healthy body. One such study has connected poor oral hygiene with an increased risk for heart disease as reported in the American Journal of Preventative Medicine report of December 2005. Study researchers concluded that those in the health care profession should encourage individuals to practice good oral healthcare as part of their push for achieving overall good health.

Think of all the things we do with our mouths: eating, drinking, talking, and kissing. Now imagine doing those things with missing teeth…not a pretty image, right? The time to prevent that image from becoming reality is now. Start today, to manage your oral hygiene in a way that will protect the health of your mouth.

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