The Major Causes of Gum Disease
One estimate states that approximately 85% of all American adults will suffer from some type of gum problems, including gum disease, during their lifetime. With the current known linkage between gum disease and heart disease, it is essential that you consider the cause and treatment of the problem to avoid it.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums. Symptoms include bad breath (halitosis), gum discoloration, and often tender and/or bleeding gums. Over time, the health issue affects the teeth as well. In more advanced cases, symptoms include loose or moving teeth. This form of periodontal disease consists of a progressive movement from gingivitis to periodontal gum disease. It is necessary to address the situation, seeking treatment immediately if you want to stop the advancement of this disease.
Major Causes of Gum Disease
The major cause of gum disease is the presence and activity of bacteria. While good bacteria is a constant in your mouth and necessary, bad bacteria creates various health problems, including tooth decay and gum disease. In the instance of gum disease, bad bacteria builds-up in the mouth. Its presence is fed by food particles. Bacteria, in turn, cause plaque to build-up on the teeth.
Other possible causes of your gum disease include the following:
- Poor nutrition
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes such as menopause, pregnancy
- Stress
- Certain medications e.g. steroids
- Genetics
- Certain diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
- Grinding or even clenching your teeth regularly
The Question: Treat Or Prevent Gum Disease?
Gum disease does not disappear without some form of treatment. You cannot get rid of it without taking the appropriate measures. This will involve a visit to your dentist. He or she will need to verify this is gum disease and not an unrelated problem.
After confirmation of the problem, talk to your dentist about the right type of treatment for you. It will involve the removal of plaque build-up and a thorough cleaning of the teeth. Other remedies may involve a change in diet and dental habits. Certainly, your dentist will discuss your daily dental practice. He or she will ask about how and how often you clean your teeth.
One necessary approach to take is not to consider possible cures, but to focus on preventive medicine. This tends to be the best remedy of them all. Adopt a proactive approach. Stop ignoring your teeth and put in place a thorough oral hygiene practice. This should include a mouth wash – avoid on that is alcohol-based, however, as it increases the growth of bacteria. You should need to brush your teeth more than once daily.
The approach can be a natural one, using simple products such as baking soda. You can also employ a naturally manufactured product such as OraMD, or conventional toothpaste. Talk to your dentist about what is preferable and most likely to be successful in your case.
Conclusion
Gum disease can develop into a serious problem. Do not let it take over your mouth. Stop it by actively implementing a system of oral hygiene. If you have any questions, or wonder about the condition of your gums, talk to your dentist.