A healthy smile is as important as a happy smile. The problem with us is that we pay attention to dental health only when the tooth aches or loosens. Otherwise we are happy getting along with the routine unmindful. Of the many consequences of poor dental care, gum disease is a common one today. The worst part is it doesn’t show any symptoms until it aggravates and demands a Dentist’s touch to set things right or remove some. It is important to know better about Gum disease and maintain a healthy lifestyle accordingly.
Quick Symptoms of Gum disease:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Permanent teeth that are loose or separating
- Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
- Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Common Causes of Gum disease:
With age: Studies show that older people have the highest rates of periodontal disease. It is the age of 30 and above which is considered the zone of concern.
Smoking/Tobacco: Tobacco usage not only sinks your lungs but dips your dental care too. They not only lead to tissue damage, but also delay the healing of infected gums too during treatment.
Genetics: To a fair level, Gum disease can be hereditary too. Putting oral hygiene on the priority is important in such cases.
Stress condition: Stress also is a risk factor for periodontal disease. Research demonstrates that stress can make it more difficult for the body to fight off infection, including periodontal diseases.
Medications: Some drugs, such as oral contraceptives, anti-depressants, and certain heart medicines, can affect your oral health.
Diabetes and systematic diseases: Cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis can worsen the gum condition.
Poor nutrition: A diet low in important nutrients can compromise the body’s immune system and make it harder for the body to fight off infection. Because periodontal disease begins as an infection, poor nutrition can worsen the condition of your gums.
Gingivitis to Periodontitis:
Constant plaque and tartar deposit will eventually seed the gum disease.What starts mildly as Gingivitis with little inflammation and tender gums, might worsen over time into Periodontitis that will lead to loosened teeth that demand removal. So gum disease is nothing to be taken for granted but prevented in time.
The best thing is to prevent it and the worst thing is to control it. The number and types of treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. Any type of treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home.
- Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly to remove food particles and using an anti-bacterial mouthwash after every meal will serve the purpose
- Scheduling a dentist appointment once in 6 months is a good habit
- Quitting tobacco is mandatory
- Thorough chewing of food to exercise the gums
- Restricting your intake of foods that are high in sugar, which could include sodas, juices, sweets, chocolates, candies, cookies, cakes and so on.
- Vitamin C&D rich food intake is important
Few quick home remedies that you might keep in mind to comfort your gums.
- Saltwater mouth wash:
Warm cup of water + Small amount of salt = Home Mouth wash ready! Take a sip and swish it in your mouth for 30 seconds in the morning and night. This reduces swelling in the gums and draws the infection out of the abscesses.
- Baking soda:
Dip your toothbrush into a solution paste of Baking soda in warm water and apply it before brushing up. It neutralizes the acids in the mouth, which in turn reduces the chances of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Tea bags:
Steep tea bag in boiling water and cool it for a while then. Place the bag on the infected area for 5 minutes. The tannic acid present in tea relieves gum infection.
Apply honey on the infected region after brushing. The antibacterial and antiseptic properties of honey help in fighting gum infection too.
- Cranberry juice:
Drinking up to 4 ounces of unsweetened cranberry juice can reduce gum infection by preventing bacteria from sticking to the teeth.
- Lemon: Lemons, rich in vitamin C, help a lot to fight the inflammations. Add a pinch of salt to lemon juice and mix it well that it looks like a paste. Apply this paste on to your teeth and leave it on for a few minutes, before gargling with water.
If the gum issues remain prolonged, it is best advised to visit your dentist near you without delaying. Over all, a good dental routine and a regular dentist visit do the trick for healthy gums on the long run. Take care!