Gum Issues

Dental health is important, not only because it produces a pretty smile but also because it's essential to overall bodily health. The maintenance required to sustain healthy teeth and gums is not challenging, yet we overlook our own oral hygiene on a daily basis. Some people even wait until sever pain or extreme discomfort occurs before they explore their oral health. Don't wait until you have problems to start practicing good oral hygiene, because gum issues that arise from lack of proper care could have serious consequences on your health and self-image.

Causes

Although poor dental hygiene is the leading cause of certain gum issues, other problems and infections can arise regardless of how well you take care of your mouth. Inherited genes can be a huge risk factor, as certain people are more likely to acquire gum issues than others. The food and beverages that we consume also play a role in created an environment where bacteria multiplies and causes diseases. Other causes include: improper brushing technique, improper flossing technique, chemotherapy, tobacco products, and hormonal changes.

Common Gum Issues

Gingivitis is an infection that leaves your gums red and swollen. While brushing or flossing, your gums can bleed and become susceptible to the disease. Plaque build-up is typically the first sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis could lead to more serious gum conditions so it should be treated promptly.

If conditions like gingivitis aren't treated, then it could lead to periodontitis. Periodontitis is a bacterial infection that destroys the supporting structures that hold your teeth in place. It attacks the gums first and then the ligaments and bone in the mouth. There are different kinds of periodontitis:

• Chronic: This is the most common type of periodontitis with nearly 15% of U.S adults having some form of it. Chronic periodontitis typically entails receding gums, occasional bleeding gums and bad breath. It usually gets worse slowly, over several years.
• Aggressive: This condition tends to run in the family and is common among smokers. It gets worse faster than chronic periodontitis and can be difficult to treat in some cases.

Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common gum issues; however other gum issues can arise such as: bleeding gums, sore gums, gum disease, receding gums, canker sore, dry mouth, oral thrush, and many more. Our gums are vulnerable, so we must treat them delicately or the result could be painful and embarrassing.

If you have any problems with your gums, call your doctor to set up an appointment. It's best to catch any gum issues early on to prevent them from getting worse and causing more damage or pain.