Gum Diseases – Overview and Perils

Gum Diseases – Overview and Perils

Contrary to common perception, just because your teeth are sparkling, it does not necessarily indicate that your mouth is healthy. The gums in your mouth act as a barrier that helps in prevention of inflammation that can otherwise cause harm to your body. Gum diseases may give rise to other health-related concerns such as stroke, low-weight babies at birth, premature birth, heart disease, and diabetes. However, the good news is that when you floss and brush your teeth daily and get a frequent oral checkup done, gum disease can be easily prevented.

Perils of gum diseases

The function of gum is to protect the teeth and to hold them in their proper place.  It is also referred to as periodontal disease and occurs if plaque that constitute of food particles, mucus and bacteria get inside the little space between your teeth and gum. If it is left like that, there can be infections in your gum and it then becomes quite tough, costly and painful to treat them.

It has been observed that men are more affected by gum disease than women. One of the reasons for that may be women typically takes care of their teeth in a better manner than men. One of the biggest contributors for gum disease is none other than smoking. According to a study, about 90 percent of people who suffer from periodontitis have been known to smoke. If there is a necessity of gum surgery, smoking slows down the pace of healing process.

Gum disease-signs and symptoms

Some of the symptoms are as follows

• Loose tooth
• Sensitive teeth
• Pain while chewing
• Consistent bad breath
• Gums that bleed easily or are tender
• Red or swollen gums

Preventing gum diseases

Many serious problems including money, pain, and aggravation can be prevented by doing some things for the gums.

• Flossing every day
• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Visiting a dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups