Are My Swollen Gums a Sign of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease is a very common problem, especially among older people. In many cases, a lifetime of insufficient oral hygiene catches up with people as periodontal disease, and causes some serious problems.

Periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as gum disease, can cause gums to recede, which can lead to painful nerve exposure and tooth loss. Periodontal disease can require painful and expensive gum grafting and can even be associated with heart disease. Preventing periodontal disease should be one of our most important dental care goals.

Luckily, periodontal disease doesn’t happen overnight. It is the result of years of gingivitis, which has not been properly treated. Gingivitis is caused by plaque that has formed on the teeth. Plaque forms when bacteria that are naturally present in the mouth are not removed on a daily basis. It is impossible for us to prevent bacteria from forming in our mouths. In fact, because our mouths are warm and moist, they are a haven for bacteria growth. So, it’s critical that we be diligent about cleaning and disinfecting our mouths every day.

If you’re just beginning to experience swollen gums, bad breath, or gums that bleed when you brush, you likely are suffering from gingivitis. With some attention to your oral hygiene routine, you can prevent the more serious problem of periodontal disease in the future.

Keeping ahead of gingivitis requires regular brushing and flossing, as well as rinsing daily with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Regular at home oral care is the best way to kill bacteria before it can turn into plaque. It is also important to have regular professional cleanings, because these can remove plaque that has already hardened on the teeth.

Switching to all natural dental care products made with mint oil can also help reduce the bacteria in your mouth. Mint oil is a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, and it is completely natural. Commercial toothpastes contain detergent and other additives, which are not necessary for keeping your mouth clean, and which can cause allergic reactions in some people.

So, it’s likely that you don’t yet need to be concerned about having periodontal disease. But, we all need to be concerned about preventing periodontal disease in the future. The best thing you can do to prevent periodontal disease is to prevent or treat the gingivitis you have now, through a diligent and effective dental care routine.