Tooth Gum Disease
Maintaining healthy gums is paramount to keeping your teeth healthy. The gums hold your teeth in your jaw so the tissue that connects to the teeth needs to be strong and healthy. When people don't brush or floss enough, tartar and plaque can build up the teeth and start to erode these tissues that connect to the teeth. When this happens, gum disease is often a result. There are many warning signs for gum disease and ways of preventing it.
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Gingivitis
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Gingivitis is the first and less severe form of gum disease. The gums become red and swollen and tend to bleed easily. Gingivitis is usually caused by insufficient brushing and flossing and can usually be reversed. It is rarely painful but is important to address.
Periodontitis
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If left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. This is a more severe form of gum disease, where the bacteria from plaque and tartar goes under the gum line and starts to destroy the tissue and bone. A space forms around the root of the teeth where an infection usually developed. At this point, there is so much damage that the tooth usually falls out or needs to be extracted by a professional. There are several different forms of periodontitis that can happen in people of different ages and levels of health.
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Causes
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There are many factors that can put you at a higher risk for gum disease. Smokers and people who use chewing tobacco are at an elevated risk. The same is true for people who have dental problems that haven't been addressed, such as defective fillings, crooked teeth and ill-fitting bridges. Certain medications like steroids, epilepsy drugs, and even oral contraceptives may put you at a higher risk for developing gum disease.
Warning Signs
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There are some warning signs to look out for that could indicate the onset of gum disease. These are symptoms like gums that bleed easily, loose teeth, bad breath, swollen and tender gums, gums that easily pull away from the teeth and any change in the position of the teeth.
Prevention
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Regular brushing and flossing is the best way of preventing gum disease. Regular checkups with a good dentist can help catch the early warning signs of gum disease. Also, eating a health and well-balanced diet helps maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Complications
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There seems to be a link between gum disease and people with diabetes. People with diabetes are more susceptible to developing gum disease, and once gum disease starts it can worsen the symptoms of their diabetes. The bacteria that are in your mouth from gum disease can easily be inhaled into the lungs. This can cause infection in the lungs and other complications. It is also suspected that gum disease may result in low birth weights and pre-term babies. The research is still new and not definitive, but it is worth exploring.
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Resources
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