Don’t ignore signs of gum disease

Gum disease is one of those health conditions that we never really think about – until it becomes too serious to ignore. And it IS a concerning issue, because it can go on to affect your overall health, even leading to heart disease.

What does gum disease mean?

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease occurs when your gums and teeth become inflamed from a bacterial infection. It typically happens when there’s plaque build-up on your teeth. Over time, this plaque gets more resistant and becomes tartar.

Is gum disease serious?

It can be! If it’s left untreated, the supporting tissue around your gums wither away until your teeth loosen and fall out. Even more worrying is that the inflammation from the gums increases your chances of cardiovascular problems, including heart disease and stroke.

Remember, you only get one set of adult teeth for life, so be mindful of triggers that could cause gum disease.

Signs of gum disease

• Swollen, red gums which bleed easily.
• Teeth that are exposed at the gum line, gums have pulled away from teeth.
• Permanent teeth that are separating from each other.
• Bad breath (even after brushing) and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
• Pus or liquid around the gums and teeth.

Treatment for gum disease

Don’t ignore these symptoms. Speak to your dentist as soon as possible. A dentist or dental hygienist can remove tartar regularly. For serious cases, there are surgeries that your dentist can perform to get to the root of the problem.

• Scaling and root planning is a deep-cleaning procedure that goes below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar from the roots of your teeth.
• In some cases, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the infection in the gums.
• Sometimes, non-surgical methods aren’t quite effective and your dentist may suggest surgery. These could include flap surgery (to clean beneath the gums) or bone grafting (to regenerate lost bone tissue).

Healthy teeth tips

Don’t let gum disease grow and worsen. Start taking better care of your teeth today.

• Did you know that most people brush for less than a minute? Your teeth and mouth need at least two minutes of brushing, flossing and gargling twice a day. Don’t forget to brush your tongue as well. Better yet, buy a tongue scraper at the pharmacy and kick the bacteria to the curb. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean your teeth and gums.
• Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth, where brushing can’t reach.
• When it comes to mouthwash, choose antimicrobial mouthwash. This helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. Also, drink a glass of water after each meal and rinse out your mouth if necessary.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups. See your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and to catch any issues early.
• Up your intake of Vitamin C and calcium, which are good helpers for keeping your teeth and gums strong.
• Stub it out! Smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder to fight off a gum infection. 

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.