Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease


If your most recent visit to the dental office revealed that you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, it is time to take some serious action. Obviously your current system is not keeping your mouth as healthy as your dentist would like. Normal toothpaste is great, but it does not protect from everything and certainly does not guarantee a clean bill of dental health. You must take charge and take your oral hygiene to the next level. Many people have already revealed the secret that has changed their lives and dental visits in the process. Most patients have some anxiety and dread when it is time to go to the dentist. There is always that unknown of whether or not the hygienist will have to spend an hour picking at your teeth, which can hurt.


Gingivitis is also known as gum disease and left untreated can develop into periodontal disease resulting in tooth loss. At this stage there is no permanent damage and you can still reclaim good oral health. What the dentist is telling you is that your teeth have a build up of bacteria that are hiding in the plaque and tartar on your teeth. If you have noticed that your gums are red and inflamed it is because the bacteria produces toxins and are harmful not only to your teeth and gums, but the rest of your body as well. At this state your teeth are still firmly seated and there is not any damage to the bone, which holds your teeth. If you do not take action today, the gingivitis will progress and you will develop periodontal disease which causes permanent damage. What makes gum disease so dangerous is that patients discount their oral health and ignore it which allows the bacteria to grow and destroy your bone and teeth. This is a silent but destructive disease that can be PREVENTED.


Gingivitis can be caused by a number of things. The causes are not always from improper care of the teeth and gums like many people assume. Often times the situations that cause gingivitis are events that the patient has little control over. What you can control is the knowledge about your oral hygiene and how you use this knowledge. If you are aware of the things that put you at an increased risk of gingivitis you are more likely to resolve the problem, therefore preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease.


Causes of Gingivitis


  • Hormonal changes
  • Smoking
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Certain medications
  • Illness

As you can see there are a number of life events that can cause an increased risk of gingivitis that is not necessarily due to improper care. If you are experiencing hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause then take extra precaution and practice extra oral hygiene. Prevention is very important when speaking about gum disease. You can never get your teeth back so don't take the risk. Smoking not only puts you at a higher risk for many medical conditions, but also gum disease. Smoking restricts and inhibits the blood flow and oxygen that is necessary for healthy gums. Certain medications can increase the risk of gingivitis and periodontal disease. For example, the medication that diabetics take have began to show a link between diabetics and periodontal disease. Saliva is vital in the health of your teeth and gums so if you are worried use OraMDŽ and speak with your physician. OraMDŽ is a 100% natural product that can be used by any member of the family to protect against gum disease plus keep the mouth clean and fresh.



Dr. Tom McGuire is widely recognized as the world's foremost authority on preventative dentistry and patient education for the past 30 years.