Checking for gum disease is standard practice during any routine dental examination. When we examine patients at our Turlock dental practice, we like to take a moment to talk about gum disease. Avoiding gum disease is all about prevention, and nothing promotes successful prevention like education.
It doesn't surprise us that many people we talk to don't know a whole lot about gum disease. Most health classes in school don't talk about how detrimental gum disease can be to your overall health and if you don't have it, there's not much of a compelling reason to learn about it. Therefore, we hope this week's post answering the common question of "What is gum disease?" helps you, a family member, or a friend prevent gum disease by helping you understand it better.
The Foundation of Your Oral Health
Your gums, or gingiva, are an extremely important part of the biological system that is your mouth. They serve as the foundation of your oral health by holding your teeth in place. When you have gum disease, your gums pull away from your teeth and weaken the foundation. Advanced gum disease can promote tooth decay and lead to loose or shifting teeth and a host of other health complications.
Gingivitis literally means inflammation of the gums. There are two basic types of gingivitis: plaque-induced gingivitis and non-plaque induced gingivial lesions. Several conditions can cause gingivitis, but as the name suggests, the most common culprit of gingivitis is plaque. This is one of thousands of reasons why regular brushing and flossing is so important. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will progress to an advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis, which will cause serious oral health problems.
What are Signs and Symptoms of Gum Disease?
Many people with mild gingivitis don't realize they have it because the symptoms might not cause much discomfort, which is why it's important to have regular dental examinations. Dentists are trained to identify the symptoms of gum disease. Some of the symptoms include:
- Reddish or purple colored of the gums
- Tender gums that are sensitive to touch
- Varying degrees of inflammation
- A receding gum line around a tooth or teeth
- Bleeding when you brush or floss your teeth
- Bad breath
Gum Disease Prevention
The best way to ensure you're preventing gum disease involves 3 easy steps that only take a few minutes:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day
- Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash regularly
- Floss between your teeth at least once a day.
That's it. Simple.
Thanks for Reading!
Now that you know a little more about the cause of gum disease, symptoms to look out for, and the easy steps you can take to prevent it, share your knowledge with a friend. Education about oral health goes a long way. If you enjoy our dental blog, please like or share our Facebook page and help us get the word out!