Our mouth is full of bacteria, and lack of regular and proper oral hygiene could lead to plenty of dental health issues such as gum diseases, tooth decay, plaque, tartar, and cavities. The formation of plaque and tartar in the mouth affects gum tissues causing infection and inflammation. However, in its initial stage, gum diseases might not be painful, and there is a possibility of you being unaware of it. This stage is called gingivitis and have the following symptoms:

• Red and swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing

If gingivitis is diagnosed at the right time and treated, then further damage can be prevented. However, if left untreated, the infection can become serious and lead to severe issues such as the gum pulling away from the tooth, and breakdown of tissues and bones that hold the teeth. This stage is known as periodontitis, and its symptoms are:

• Swollen gums
• Bright red or purplish gums
• Gums that are tender to touch
• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Pus between or under your teeth and gums
• Loose teeth or loss of teeth
• Pain while chewing
• New spaces developing between your teeth
• Gums pulling away from your teeth
• Unpleasant taste in the mouth

Causes for gum diseases

As mentioned earlier, poor oral hygiene gives way to the formation of plaque and tartar in the mouth. What starts as plaque later hardens to form tartar along the gum line. The latter is hard, full of bacteria, and difficult to remove. It eventually leads to infection and makes way for gum diseases.

Side effects of gum diseases

If untreated, gum diseases can lead to a lot of complications and affect your overall health. Besides tooth loss, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream and affect your overall health. It is often associated with conditions such as respiratory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and even cancer.

Prevention of gum diseases

Maintaining proper oral hygiene can prevent the formation of plaque and tartar and lessen the chances of gum diseases. Good oral hygiene includes:

• Brush your teeth and gums at least twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to remove plaque
• Reduce your sugar intake
• Don’t smoke or chew tobacco products

You should also see your dentist at regular intervals for check-ups and cleanings. If your dentist spots any early onset of gum disease, he/she can take action to ensure it doesn’t get more serious.

References

• https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
• https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info