A look at what causes gum disease and how best to prevent it from happening.

Gum disease exists in two forms. The first stage is gingivitis. This usually subjects someone to red, irritated and swollen gums. The gums can quite often bleed when brushing as well. Although gingivitis is rather unpleasant and sometimes painful, it is completely treatable and reversible. Usually some good cleaning, antibiotics and maintenance can get rid of most cases. The next stage is periodontits disease. This is much more severe. When gum disease gets to this stage it isn’t reversible. There is a lot that can be done to improve the quality of the gums but one will embark on a treatment that will be in effect for the rest of their lives. This stage of gum disease is severe and can cause facial disfigurement if left too long. In this article we will look at some of the preventions and treatments for gum disease.

The first step in fighting these gum diseases is to know the causes. By practicing preventative measures one can avoid a life time of surgeries to repair the damage caused by advanced periodontal disease. One of the most common causes for gum diseases is poor oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with an oscillating tooth brush will help remove bacteria and plaque. Be sure to brush at the gum line to remove food debris. If left for too long bacteria will grow and start to create cavities. It can also lead to infection and the first stage of gum disease. Knowing the causes is the first step in knowing the prevention and treatments for gum disease.

The next step in avoiding gum disease is in fact learning what to avoid. By staying away from bad habits like smoking, excessive drinking and sweet foods that are high in sugar, you will be doing your teeth and gums a huge favor. Smoking creates stains on the teeth. The act of inhaling allows the nicotine to penetrate into the grooves of the teeth. Excessive use of tobacco products can also increase one’s risk of mouth ulcers and sores.

Staying away from these will be good for your oral and overall health. Drinking large amounts of alcohol isn’t good for one’s body. The amount of sugars in many alcoholic drinks is also incredibly bad for one’s teeth. Red wines do have a few health benefits but are also known to stain and damage one’s teeth. Occasional indulgences are fine but for good oral health one should avoid these. Finally, foods that are high in sugars should best be avoided. These promote the growth of plaque and bacteria. This can lead to cavities, staining and gum disease. Once in a while is fine but keep the intake of these foods to a minimum.

The final step in avoiding gum disease is to take direct action.

Eating foods rich in vitamin D is also highly advised. Vitamin D helps to rebuild connective tissue. This helps in the treatment of gingivitis and periodontal disease. By eating dairy products and getting adequate exposure to the sun, you could be doing your gums a huge service.

As stated before, many gum diseases can be treated. Gingivitis is treatable and even reversible if caught in time. Treatments usually involve antibiotics and cleanings. Your dentists will probably advise you to brush your teeth regularly and increase your intake of vitamin C and D. This reduces the swelling and bleeding associated with this disease. It also helps to regenerate the connective tissue that could have been lost. Gingivitis is treatable if caught in time. If you are showing symptoms it is best not to wait.

Unfortunately, the outlook for periodontits disease isn’t as good. The treatment will likely depend on how far advanced the disease has become. This can cause bone loss and loss of teeth. Massive oral surgeries could be in the cards for someone with severe periodontits disease.

In today’s world it is important to know the Prevention and treatments for gum disease. Most gum diseases can be avoided by maintaining a regime of good oral hygiene and diet. If gingivitis symptoms become noticeable, it is advisable that you seek your physician’s advice immediately. As long as the disease is caught in time, one should make a full recovery. If allowed to linger then the damage could be much more severe. If left too long, the situation could become irreversible and evasive treatment the only answer.