Gum disease is when bacterial growth affects gums which lead to the destruction of tissues that is surrounding the teeth. It is also known as periodontitis or gingivitis. When bacterial growth is in early stages, it is called as gingivitis. In this stage, bacteria work up in the form of plaque, and gum bleeds during brushing. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontics. The building up of plaque can be from various reasons. It can be due to bad habits, poor hygiene, hereditary and hormonal changes.
There are also signs which can help to determine, if someone is suffering from gingivitis and periodontitis like bleeding gums during brushing, red and swollen gums, formation of deep pockets, shifting teeth and frequent bad breath.
Gum diseases can be prevented when proper control is practiced. Plaque control when professional attention is given twice a year. Brushing and flossing twice in a day is also suggested by dentists.
There are several measures to maximize dental health:
- Maintain Balanced Diet: it is recommended to follow a balanced diet, eating raw vegetables and fruits. It gives mouth a wash and removes food particles. Balanced diet helps to boost the immune system.
- Avoid Sugar: Preventing food items stuffed with sugar content. Aerated drinks, sweets, chocolates etc contain high amount of sugar. These sugars give way to bacteria to create cavity and gum diseases.
- Stop Bad Habits: Clinging to bad habits brings the bad breath. Not only bad breath, it also de-coloring of teeth. On long term, if not stopped they can create long term problems for dental hygiene. Chewing tobacco, smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. All these affect the dental care.
- Minus Stress: stress also has adverse effect on the teeth. It affects the immune system. The fighting capacity of immune system reduces, which in turn decreases the oral care.