Gum Disease, Gingivitis And Periodontitis

What is "gum disease"?

Gum disease is a condition of unhealthy gums. Unhealthy gums are caused by bacteria that lodges in the plaque where the gum meets the tooth. And this bacteria irritates the gum, and if they're left unchecked, will go below the gum and irritate and eat away at the bone supporting the teeth. This gum disease needs to be arrested, either by a dental hygienist or a dentist. If it's <a href="http://www.videojug.com/interview/gum-disease-gingivitis-and-periodontitis">gingivitis</a> , and gingivitis is an inflammation of the gingiva, or gums, it is reversible with good care. Periodontitis, which is an inflammation of the bone around the tooth, is not reversible and needs to be handled through some type of surgical procedure.

What are the warning signs of gum disease?

The first sign that you're going to have, that you have a problem with your gums, and potentially gum disease, is going to be bleeding. That bleeding is from the bacteria that lodges in the plaque that's around the gums, because it hasn't been cleaned. When you brush your teeth after this has built up, you're going to have bleeding from the gums. You may have spontaneous bleeding if you've let it go a lot. That will be the first sign that you could see that you've got a problem with your gums.

What are the long-term effects of gum disease?

The main problem with gum disease, aside from what it's going to do with your teeth in the gums in your mouth, is what it does to your body. The inflammation in the gum disease can cause stroke and heart attack. And the infection that's around there can get into your bloodstream and cause major problem with your heart. You want to eliminate this and keep your gums in very, very good shape so that you dont have this. And also, you want to make sure that you're going to keep your teeth for life. If you want to keep your teeth for life, you have to brush well, floss well, and see a dental professional at a regular basis.

What are some alternative, preventative treatments for gum disease?

There are many products on the market such as Vitamin C, Q10, grapefruit seed, that are indeed alleged to help cure gum disease. But they won't do it. If you have real gum disease, you're going to have to be seen by a dental professional. However, these items can be used in healthy gums to maintain your gums in a healthy condition. But overall, the most important thing to do is to brush your teeth correctly and regularly, and floss. That's the best preventive measure against gum disease you can use.