Understanding Gum Disease

Much of the general population may not know this, but gum disease is one of the most common diseases in the world. If you want to hear a staggering statistic, listen up: just about 9 of 10 adults all suffer from gum disease. In today’s article we were going to discuss a little bit about what we know of gum disease, the different symptoms associated with it, and how it can even be linked to other illnesses that include Alzheimer’s, cancer, and strokes.

What is Gum Disease?

To begin, it is important that we understand what gum disease is. Simply said, gum disease is the buildup of plaque underneath the gum line. Plaque contains bacteria, and if left untreated it can stay and live underneath the gum line. This causes an irritation in the gums, leaving your mouth feeling painful and sore.

Spotting the Symptoms

In order to know whether or not you have gum disease, meaning that you will treat it as soon as possible, you need to know the symptoms. The next time you’re brushing your teeth, take a few extra seconds and look at your gums. Healthy gums are visible, and are seen as pink and firm. If your gums bleed when you touch them, brush them, or floss them, this can be an indication of a problem. Gum disease is not always linked to painful symptoms, so it is important that you have your gums and teeth checked by a dental professional at least twice a year.

Main Kinds of Gum Disease

Gingivitis, the earlier stages of gum disease, is indicated by red or swollen gums, or bleeding after brushing and flossing. If you noticed this in your teeth, these symptoms can then leave to periodontist which causes bad press, a bad taste in your mouth, and gum abscesses.

Prevention is Better Than the Cure!

As with most things, in order to ensure that you don’t have to worry about the costs and the pain of cheering and existing disease, you can always begin early by preventing the symptoms. By keeping up with your oral health care routine, flossing once a day, and brushing twice a day, you drastically reduce the chances of you developing gum disease. This gum disease comes in when you least expect it and can be devastating down the line. If you would like to speak to a dentist about possible gum disease symptoms that you have, or would like more tips on how to prevent gum disease, feel free to give us a call at My Dental Clinic in Calgary, AB.