If your gums bleed regularly when you brush, you may have the early stages of periodontal disease. If you do, you’ll be joining tens of millions of Americans who have some form of periodontal disease. And it’s a disease you don’t want in your mouth because it can eventually lead to major damage to soft tissue and bone or tooth loss.
In it’s most mild form, periodontal disease produces inflammation in the gum tissue. This is called gingivitis. Look for red and swollen gums that may bleed easily. It especially likes mouths that only see a toothbrush or floss once in awhile. Additional factors include diabetes, use of certain medications, hormonal changes in women, other illnesses, and genetic susceptibility. At this stage, gingivitis is not resulting in bone or tissue loss.
However, if you leave gingivitis untreated, then the odds are good that you will be headed toward periodontitis. At this point, the inflammation has moved from just being in your gums to being around your teeth. As gum tissue retracts from around the teeth, pockets are formed and infection moves into them. This can lead to the destruction of gums, teeth and bone.
But you can prevent it from progressing to bone or tooth loss by following a set of simple tips. Remember, good oral health is more than fighting bad breath and having clean teeth. It is a reflection of your self esteem and how you take care of the rest of your body. Get a jumpstart on prevention and keep yourself looking and feeling young and healthy!
Prevent periodontal disease by implementing the following habits:
Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
Floss regularly to remove plaque from between the teeth
Visit your dentist regularly for your routine check-up and cleaning
Don’t smoke
If you follow those simple tips, the odds are good that you will have healthy gums, happy teeth and a winning smile. And periodontal disease won’t be a problem for you and your mouth.
Source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
