Creating The Best Defense Against Gum Diseases

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround and support the teeth. Gum disease can vary from mild (gingivitis), which causes the gums to bleed easily when brushed, to severe (periodontitis), in which the bones that support the teeth are damaged and which can lead to tooth loss.

Gum disease occurs when the bacteria that are present in plaque are allowed to accumulate on and around the teeth and gums. Smoking or using spit tobacco greatly increases a person’s risk of developing gum disease. When gum disease attacks, it doesn’t hit full-force right away. It starts slowly, almost gently, beginning with some redness of the gums, tenderness and puffiness, probably a little bleeding and bad breath so relentless that even the strongest mouthwash can’t wash it away longer than a couple of minutes.

Gum disease is a common problem, which affects the soft tissues and supporting bone around teeth. There are two main types of gum disease, gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis involves inflammation of the gum adjacent to the visible part of the tooth and periodontitis involves inflammation of the deeper supporting tissues of the tooth (bone, ligament and cement). If these supporting structures around the tooth are severely affected, then the tooth may become loose, may drift or be lost.

Gum disease goes through several stages. As the disease progresses in severity, the periodontal treatment options become more complex, costly, and time-intensive. It is important that at the first signs of gum disease symptoms you seek an experienced and professional periodontist.

It is imperative to keep a close watch on potential gum disease symptoms. Allowing your periodontist to make an early diagnosis can make the difference between non-surgical periodontal treatment and full-blown gum surgery. Advanced gum disease often requires periodontal (gum) surgery. Gum surgery becomes the only viable periodontal treatment once the tissue around your teeth becomes too unhealthy to be repaired with non-surgical treatment.

A clean mouth is the best defense against gum disease. See a dentist regularly, floss between your teeth every day, and brush with fluoride toothpaste two to three times each day. And don’t neglect your tongue, especially the back section. By brushing it gently with a toothbrush or using a plastic tongue scraper you can deprive bacteria of a prime breeding ground.

The keys to success in the battle against gum disease and most oral problems are hidden in nature. Fighting the bacteria that causes the problem is the first place to start and specific species of peppermint and spearmint oils are scientifically proven to be anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Get your mouth in mint condition today!