Gum disease: What you need to know

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a common oral problem. It's basically a problem with the gums and the stuff that holds the teeth in place. There are three main stages: gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis causes inflammation of the gums due to a build-up of gunk at the gum line. You may notice that your gums are red, swollen, and bleeding, and your breathing may be a little rough. If you ignore it, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, where the infection sinks deep beneath the gums and begins to form pockets between the gums and teeth. As things get worse, your teeth may start to feel a little loose, or you may even decide to quit oral hygiene altogether. When gum disease spreads and progresses to advanced periodontitis, it's a real pain in the ass and requires some serious TLC to stop it from ruining your smile.

Stay away from gum disease

Stopping gum disease before it happens is all about taking care of your mouth and making friends with your dentist. You must brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily for close contact. Rinse your mouth with some antibacterial mouthwash to help kill the bad guys and prevent plaque. Eating a healthy diet, staying away from sugary foods and drinks, and being indifferent to tobacco can all help manage gum disease. Don’t forget to visit your dentist every six months so they can catch any problems early and nip them in the bud. If things look dangerous, your dentist may recommend some additional treatments, such as a deep cleaning or some dental sealants, to help prevent gum disease.

Coping with gum disease

When gum disease strikes, you have to roll up your sleeves and start working on it. Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. If it's just a little gingivitis, a good cleaning and some better brushing habits may do the trick. Your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to really get in there and remove all the gunk. For more severe cases of periodontitis, you may need something more serious like antibiotics, lasers, or even some surgery to fix the problem. Following your dentist's recommendations and maintaining oral hygiene are key to ensuring that gum disease doesn't come back to haunt you. By being aware of gum disease and taking good care of your mouth, you can maintain a bright smile for years to come.