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Like teeth, our gums also require good care and regular attention to stay healthy and free from any conditions. We already know that lack of good oral hygiene habits can cause several dental issues. Among these, one of the major problems that affect the health of the gums is periodontal disease. 

Taking care of gums is very important as lack of proper gum care can lead to periodontal diseases, from gingivitis to periodontitis. Furthermore, if these conditions are left untreated, they can even lead to tooth loss and other severe health concerns. 

How Does the Health of the Gums be Compromised?

On the surfaces of our teeth, a sticky film called plaque that contains bacteria can develop due to the lack of good oral hygiene. Gum disease occurs when the bacteria present in the plaque leads to recurrent infection around the gums, resulting in inflammation and soft-tissue damage. If the condition is left untreated for long enough, gums can pull away, causing loosening of teeth from their sockets and eventual tooth and jawbone loss.

Periodontal Disease: Risk Factors That Contribute to the Disease 

Most times, periodontal disease occurs as a result of the buildup of plaque. Other factors that increase one's chances of development of periodontal disease are as follows:

• Smoking
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Stress
• Clenching and grinding teeth
• Crooked Teeth
• Old Fillings
• Gingivitis
• Hormonal changes 
• Genetics
• Drug use
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Poor nutrition and vitamin C deficiency
• Certain medications
• Autoimmune disorders
• Crohn's Disease

These factors can increase the chance of the development of gum disease. So, always take care of your teeth and gums and look for these warning signs to identify gum disease at the earliest.  

Warning Signs of Gum Problems

• Bleeding gums, especially after brushing and flossing
• Redness, tenderness, or soreness in the gum tissue
• Swelling or puffiness of gums 
• Severe bad breath 
• Recession of gums
• Loose teeth or tooth loss
• Red or purplish gums
• Pus between the teeth and gums
• Pain while chewing or biting
• Formation of large spaces between teeth
• Changes in the fit of the teeth 

How to Start Periodontal Care

Gum disease is a severe condition that can cause several dental issues like tooth loss. Besides, periodontal bacteria can affect the other parts of the body, including the heart, when the bacteria enter the bloodstream. So, it is important to ensure that gum diseases are prevented even before they occur through preventative measures. 

The major methods to fight the onset of gum infection and disease are as follows: 

• Practicing excellent oral hygiene:Never skip brushing your teeth for a minimum of two minutes, twice a day, and flossing the teeth once a day. This helps in loosening the bacteria and food debris that can cause periodontal disease.
• Regular dental visits: Always be regular on your biannual dental checkups and dental cleaning appointments to lower the risk of occurrence of gum disease. Besides, dental examinations can help detect the onset of gum disease in its initial stages, thus helping in early treatment before the condition gets worse. 

If you wish to know more about periodontal care, call Ronald F. Jacob, DMD Comprehensive Dentistry, at (386) 445-6111 or schedule an appointment online.