The structure of our teeth is really simple and yet they play a really vital role in our lives. They are strong in their construction, yes, but what really makes them useful are the gums that hold them in place. Yes, the gums are really important as they hold our teeth in place firmly. They hide the roots and nerves attached to our teeth hidden and protected from the bacteria that reside in our mouth.
It is, therefore, a really painful condition to develop gum disease. What is gum disease and why is important to keep a condition like that at bay? This blog discusses in detail everything that you need to know about gum diseases.
What Are Gum Diseases?
Gum disease is a term that is collectively used to describe 2 conditions of the gum. The mild gum disease is called Gingivitis, which is also the beginning of the more severe 2nd stage, Periodontitis. The reason for both the condition, however, is bacteria. You see, our mouths are filled with bacteria, and no matter how much you clean your mouth, it will stay full of bacteria. These bacteria mix with the mucus and leftover food in your mouth to create a sticky film to coat your teeth, called plaque.
Plaque is removed when you brush your teeth. But if it begins to get collected, the plaque hardens to form tartar. As the amount of tartar on the teeth increases, the likelihood of developing a gum disease also increases. Gingivitis makes gums swell and get red because of inflammation, but the good thing is that it can be easily reversed by following a good dental hygiene routine.
Periodontitis, on the other hand, causes the gums to pull away from the teeth. This makes pockets between the gums and teeth, where food and bacteria can get lodged and cause further harm to the overall health of your teeth. If periodontitis is not treated, it can make your bones, gums, and other tissues unhealthy enough to cause major oral health issues. You may even end up losing a tooth or two.
Symptoms of Gum Diseases
Symptoms of gum diseases take their time to show and to bother you. This means that you could have a situation budding up and may not even know about it. Some of the most common symptoms of gum diseases are these:
- Swollen, red, and painful gums
- Bleeding gums after brushing, flossing, or eating hard foods
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Loose or separated teeth
- Infection or pus between the teeth and the gums.
- Mouth sores
- Bad breath
- Poor or ill-fitting dentures
Preventing Gum Diseases
You can easily prevent gum diseases to ever become a bother in your life by following a few simple rules:
- Regular Checkups- An expert dentist can take a look at your gums for you and guide you to take proper care of them. Regular checkups are the best way to predict the onset of gum disease and prevent them early on.
- Avoid Smoking- People who smoke are twice as likely to develop gum diseases than people who don’t. Smoking affects your body’s ability to heal and stops it from fighting infections as effectively. If you smoke, quit, and if you don’t smoke, it is better that you don’t start.
- Daily Oral Care- The most important prevention method for gum diseases is proper daily care. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss at least once, and eat healthy as much as you can.
Treating gum diseases is possible only when they are identified in time. A special cleaning treatment, a strong mouthwash, or surgery to remove tartar are the best treatment methods for gum diseases. For more information on treating and preventing gum diseases, visit the best dental clinic in Hinjewadi, Pune only at Nanda Dental Care. Book your appointment with the finest dentists in the area and get top-notch services from experts.