What is Gum Disease?

Disease of the gum is a problem which ought to be taken seriously. It accounts for more tooth loss than dental decay itself and yet taking care of teeth seem to be many peoples’ primary concern. Of course the health of your teeth is vitally important too but this shouldn’t be done at the expense of your gums.

The most common form of gum disease is a condition called gingivitis. It happens when plaque is allowed to flourish on the gum line of teeth, causing gums to become inflamed. You might notice that your gums are a little more sensitive to eating and drinking especially hot and cold substances. They will be visibly redder, as opposed to the healthy pink colour that they ought to be.

Gingivitis is not particularly serious in and of itself and is usually solved by your dentist advising you to tighten up your home oral hygiene routine by brushing and flossing more effectively. There are certain mouth washes specially formulated to deal gingivitis and your dentist might recommend that you use one of them. In some cases antibiotics are required.

It is worth dealing with gingivitis because if it is allowed to progress it can become periodontitis, a far more serious proposition. Periodontitis occurs when the inflammation of gingivitis spreads to the bones which hold teeth in place. This manifests itself as extreme pain and your gums will be extremely swollen, red and tender. Your teeth will appear to be lengthening as your gums recede and tooth loss becomes a very real possibility.

If you have any suspicions that you are experiencing gum disease then you should contact your dentist. In this way you are lessening your chances of losing one or more of your teeth. Modern methods of replacing teeth can be very effective but it is better to keep your own set.

Be sure to brush and floss regularly as directed and visit your dentist every six months for a check up. The fact is that you might not notice the early signs of gums disease but your dentist is trained to spot the smallest indicators and can stop it before it puts your oral health seriously at risk.