subject: Gum Disease- Take Proper Preventative Measures To Ensure A Healthy Smile [print this page] Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is a chronic infection that can result in a number of health problems, from mild inflammation to severe gum damage to tooth loss, if left untreated. It can also significantly affect your overall health, and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Gum disease develops in the space between your gum line and your teeth, causing tissue inflammation and damage that can eventually cause your gums to recede. The severity of gum disease is determined by the depth of the excess space, or pockets, that form as your gum tissue recedes.
Types of Gum Disease
Gum disease can be classified into two types: Gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and is reversible with treatment. It can also develop into the more serious oral health problem - periodontitis.
Gingivitis results in swollen, irritated gums that bleed easily. Good oral health habits, including daily flossing and brushing, as well as getting regular professional teeth cleanings from your dentist in Hunters Creek can prevent and help reverse this disease. Gingivitis does not typically result in the loss of gum tissue or teeth.
Periodontitis occurs as a result of untreated gingivitis. In periodontitis, the gums significantly recede from the teeth, leading to infected pockets. As your body's immune system struggles to fight off this infection, tissues and bones may start to break down. Without proper treatment, the gums, connective tissue, and jaw bones that support your teeth may all deteriorate and begin to compromise your overall oral health. Eventually, the teeth will loosen and either fall out or have to be removed.
Prevent Gingivitis
Untreated gingivitis usually progresses into the more serious stages of gum disease, which causes irreversible bone loss and potential tooth loss. Prevention is essential in protecting and keeping your teeth. The best way to prevent gingivitis from developing is to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, using an antimicrobial mouth rinse - only if your dental hygienist or dentist recommend this - visiting your dentist for regular checkups, and maintaining a proper and nutritious diet.
Choosing the right toothbrush is also an important part of gingivitis prevention. Softer brushed are less likely to injure your gums, and electric toothbrushes often seem to encourage better brushing habits. Remember, also, to never overdo brushing your teeth. If you brush your teeth too long or too hard, it can do more harm than good.
If gingivitis is caught in its earliest stages, it is extremely manageable. Talk to your dentist in Kissimmee, FL today for more information on how to properly care your teeth. Proper oral hygiene is essential in preventing the development of gum disease in all its stages.
