Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. It is also called periodontal disease.

Your mouth constantly makes a clear, sticky substance called plaque that contains bacteria. The bacteria in plaque make poisons, or toxins, that irritate the gums and cause the gum tissues to break down. If you don’t do a good job of removing plaque from your teeth, it can spread below the gums and damage the bone that supports the teeth. With time, the plaque hardens into a substance called tartar that has to be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist.

Complete oral hygiene requires a comprehensive plan in caring the entire mouth which includes the teeth, gums and the oral cavity. Bleeding and swollen gums are indicators of certain serious medical conditions, most likely to be diabetes and cardiovascular problems.

Gum disease all starts with bacterial infection that attacks the gums, ligaments and bones that support the teeth. Gum disease treatment is painless if caught in early stage.

Oral care includes daily brushing, flossing and rinsing of natural oral mouth rinse and periodic dental check ups. With regular dental check ups, unrecognizable symptoms of gum disease may be detected early.

Swollen gums and gum disease contribute to tooth loss, more often on adults. Not just to tooth loss that they are linked to but also to heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Preventing swollen gums and gum disease to advance to more serious condition such as periodontis is essential, paying attention to your oral care should be your top priority to avoid, swollen gums, gum disease and certain serious medical conditions.

Visiting your dental hygienist or dentist is another essential in oral care; your dentist can keep you up to date with your dental conditions and can give you the professional cleaning of your mouth that regular home oral care can’t give.