What is Gum Disease? 🦷
Gum disease is a condition also known as periodontal disease. It’s a common disorder that progressively damages the tissues surrounding the teeth. Gum disease starts with gingivitis – the mildest form and ends at periodontitis which can injure the bones and cause tooth loss.
At Lema Dental Clinic, we emphasize the importance of the detection of disease at its early stage rather than cure, in order to prevent the patient from facing hard complications and maintain his or her beautiful smiling.
🦷 Why Gum Health is Important
Gum is an important organ of the oral cavity, not only because it helps in chewing but also because it guards the jawbone against infections. If gum is infected it can:
- Bleeding and swollen gums
- Bad breath
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth loss in extreme cases
and more. Studies have proved that gum disease can be a source that would later affect the whole organism which would result in an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
🦷 Common Causes of Gum Disease
Gum disease is a chronic infection that can develop from various reasons such as:
- Poor Oral Hygiene – Brushing as well as flossing should not be skipped because if it is done plaque will stick to the surfaces of our teeth and this will trick us into thinking that they are clean enough.
- Smoking – Among all the bad habits, smoking is the most harmful one as far as gum disease is concerned.
- Genetics – Some individuals have hereditary genes that instill the predisposition to gum disease in their family history.
- Hormonal Changes – Pregnancy, menopause, and puberty are some of the phases of life where hormonal changes are taking place and the gums will therefore be more sensitive.
- Medical Conditions – Diseases like diabetes or immune disorders may create vulnerabilities in which other diseases can occur.
🦷 How to Prevent Gum Disease
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some advice from the professionals at Lema Dental Clinic:
1. 🪥 Proper Brushing Technique
Brushing should be done twice at least during the day and the toothbrush used should be soft bristled. In order to carry out the procedure properly you should:
- Turn the brush 45 degrees towards the gum line
- Brush softly, not fiercely
- Work on the teeth and gum areas you have brushed with the brush
2. 🦷 Daily Flossing
Flossing is removal of plaque and food that is stuck in between teeth is that area which is not accessible by brushing.
- If you are unable to easily slide waxed floss between your teeth try that kind of floss.
- Do it slowly and gently with a sliding motion along the sides of each tooth
3. 🧴 Use Mouthwash
An antibacterial mouthwash is one of the ways to get rid of plaque and inflammation.
- Lema Dental Clinic suggests rinsing once or twice daily
- Have mouthwashes with fluoride in them for better protection
4. 🍎 Healthy Diet
If the person eats a balanced diet, the gums will be healthy.
- Eat fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks that promote plaque formation
5. 🏥 Regular Dental Check-ups
Make time for Lema Dental Clinic visits every 6 months for:
- A professional cleaning to get rid of tartar buildup
- The onset of gum inflammation can be detected early
- Instructions on the best oral hygiene methods for you
🦷 Signs You May Have Gum Disease
These are some of the signs that indicate gum disease:
- Gums that are red, swollen, or even tender
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Unremitting bad breath
- Gums that have pulled back
In case you come across any of these points, see a dentist without delay.
🦷 Treatments for Gum Disease
Treatments available differ by severity:
- Professional Cleaning – The cleaning of the mouth which includes the removal of both plaque and tartar.
- Scaling and Root Planing – The cleaning that goes deep under the gum line.
- Antibiotics – The medications that could be local or oral depending on the infection type.
- Surgical Treatments – In advanced cases, gum grafts and flap surgery.
Lema Dental Clinic, we use a combination of contemporary methods and personalized care to bring back gum health successfully.
🌟 Maintaining Healthy Gums Long-Term
- Brush and floss daily
- Do not smoke and limit your sugar intake
- Drink enough water
- Eat nutrient-rich foods
- Get professional cleaning done as regularly as you need
Care that is done consistently keeps the problems of gum disease from coming back and it also keeps your dental health good.
References
- Tonetti, M. S., Jepsen, S., Jin, L., & Otomo-Corgel, J. (2017). Impact of the global burden of periodontal diseases on health, nutrition and wellbeing of mankind: A call for global action. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 44(5), 456–462. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12732
- Preshaw, P. M., Alba, A. L., Herrera, D., Jepsen, S., Konstantinidis, A., Makrilakis, K., & Taylor, R. (2012). Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship. Diabetologia, 55(1), 21–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-011-2342-y
- Chapple, I. L., & Genco, R. (2013). Diabetes and periodontal diseases: consensus report of the Joint EFP/AAP Workshop on Periodontitis and Systemic Diseases. Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 40(Suppl 14), S106–S112. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpe.12077
