Undoubtedly, gums are an integral part of your mouth’s anatomy. Gums help anchor a tooth firmly in place. However, due to negligence, a few diseases can attack your gums. With time the situation can take a severe turn. Inevitably, weak gums will lead to loose teeth that are more susceptible to damage . Read about gum diseases and what you can do to prevent them.
Gingivitis:
Food remnants stuck on the tooth’s surface or in between the crevices invite nefarious bacteria for a feast. Bacteria gladly accepts the invitation. A colony of bacteria known as plaque develops and releases toxins that irritate the gum line. As a result, gums become red and puffy that bleeds easily, even with slight irritation.
As a result of gingivitis, gums bleeding while brushing becomes a common occurrence. Another accompanying side effect is bad breath. Initially, you wouldn’t feel any pain or discomfort. However, as the disease progresses, so does the inflammation. As a result, you may experience occasional stings and increased tooth sensitivity. Apart from bad hygiene leading to plaque buildup, a few other factors can contribute to gingivitis, such as:
- Smoking: Those who smoke are more likely to suffer from gum diseases than those who don’t.
- Stress: Stress weakens the body’s immune system. Hence, due to a compromised immune response, diseases progress faster while healing is slow.
- Chronic diseases: Ailments such as HIV, diabetes, or cancer also impair the body’s immune response. Hence, affected individuals are more susceptible to gingivitis.
- Medication: A few medicines can negatively affect your oral health. Hence, always share your current prescription with your dentist for better treatment.
Periodontitis:
As gingivitis progress, the plaque transforms itself into stubborn and sticky calculus. Calculus is not easy to get rid of, and only dentists at Brenham Family Dental with their instruments are up to the task. Gradually, calculus formation deepens and pushes gums away from the teeth. The gums’ recession leaves behind an opening., and more bacteria settle in the gap formed. Thus, due to this positive feedback, gums recede further. Eventually, the infection reaches the bones, and if the infection destroys the alveolar bone, then there is no turning back. Hence, a severe case of periodontitis can end up in tooth and bone loss.
What You Can Do About It:
Gum disease may sound horrifying, but they are preventable. The prevention starts with following a rigorous oral routine that includes:
- Frequent brushing to dislodge any food particles and to clear the plaque buildup.
- Flossing helps to remove any shreds stuck between your teeth.
If you notice a calculus buildup, you can try some home remedies such as:
- Saltwater rinse.
- Treating the site with some baking soda.
- You can also use white vinegar.
These home remedies are not guaranteed to work. However, you know what’s worth your time and effort? A visit to Brenham Family Dental. We can restore the former glory to your gums. You can also call us at 979-421-9685 for more inquiries.