Gum diseases – Causes and Preventive measures

If I ask ‘how many of you take care of your teeth’, then most of you readily answer with positive replies but what about gums? Do you really care to look after your gums? Good oral hygiene is not only about cleanliness and good hygiene of teeth but it also includes good hygiene of gums, tongue, palate and inner aspects of lips and cheeks. When you become careless in oral cleanliness then problems like gum diseases arise.

So What is Gum Disease and its causes?

Gum disease (Periodontal disease) is caused mainly by bacteria from present in ‘plaque associated with gums’. These bacteria in plaque produces acids and other toxins which destroy bones and tissues surrounding and supporting teeth.
There are numerous other factors causing gum diseases such as
- Hereditary and genetic factors
- Tobacco and Gutka chewing
- Ciggarette smoking
- Excessive masticatory (chewing) forces on teeth
- Certain medictions
- Some conditions like Pregnancy and Puberty.
- Certain diseases.

There are two types of gum diseases gingivitis and periodontitis (pyorrhea).
Gum disease start with ‘redness’ and ‘inflammation’ of gums (gingiva) which is known as gingivitis. ‘Bleeding through gums’ while brushing can be observed mainly in moderate to severe gingivitis. In severe cases gums become swelled and inflammed. Gingivitis is reversible condition which can be preventable and curable.
In advance stages, gingivitis convert into periodontitis (pyorrhea) which further involves periodontal tissues and alveolar bone supporting tooth. Due to loss of periodontal structure teeth become loose and roots of the teeth can be seen. Periodontitis is irreversible condition and major reason of loss of teeth in adults. So it is better to take preventive measures to avoid it. Though in old age periodontitis is almost unavoidable but we need to take preventive measures to avoid periodontitis in early ages.

Preventive Measures -

Though type of gum diseases caused due to hereditary and genetic factors, old age etc are almost unavoidable but taking some preventive measure we can prevent almost all other gum diseases.
Those preventive measure includes -
- Regular brushing and flossing of teeth to remove plaque from teeth which helps to minimise chances of gum disease to occur.
- If tartar (calculus) is present in teeth then the only way to remove it is to visit your dentist office and get teeth cleaned professionally by dentist.
- Regular dental check up is very essential.

Treatment of gum diseases may include oral prophylaxis, medication such as oral rinses and medicated gels or may require periodontal surgery in advance stages.

So keep Gums healthy and Stay away from gum diseases..
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