Gum Diseases: Who’s At Risk

Gum Diseases: Who’s At Risk

If you think gum diseases are the diseases that only old people get? Or only those that eat a lot of chocolate? You are so wrong!

Gum diseases or periodontitis can attack anyone at any age. It is true that it is more prevalent in people over the age of 30 or 40, but even teenagers are prone to it. Periodontitis is an infection of the gums, of the tissues that support your teeth to be precise. If not treated in time, it can turn serious. Eventually, if it gets worst, the teeth might loosen up and fall, and the bones and issues surrounding the gum might be damaged.

Certain people are more at risk of acquiring these than the others. It is hereditary, so some might get it from their parents. Most common reason for the gum diseases is however just bad maintenance. Taking good care of your teeth, by brushing twice a day, washing your mouth after every meal and massaging your gum with your finger might prevent it to a large extent. If you have braces, you have to take extra good care to keep it clean. You should also eat well, as nutrients help body fight infections and gum disease is an infection. Even sleeping well and keeping yourself out of stress is as important as brushing your teeth when it comes to the gum diseases.

Girls and women have higher risk because during menstruation period or during pregnancy, the hormones can make the gums sensitive and prone to the attack of periodontitis. The really bad cause for the gum diseases however is tobacco chewing and smoking. Not only does it cause the disease, it also hampers the speed of recovery.

A gum disease happens in stages. Many people might have it without even knowing. First there’s this plaque that’s formed by bacteria along with mucus and other substances around the teeth. That’s why we need to brush regularly, to keep our teeth off the plaque. If the plaque is not treated in time, it hardens and becomes tarter, which is more harmful to the health of your mouth. The bacteria then attacks the gums, making it inflame. The inflammation is called ‘gingivitis’. The gums swells, becomes red and can even bleed at slight pressure. If it is not treated here, the infection works on the gums to loosen up, making the teeth to fall out and damaging the issues and bones surrounding the teeth.

Therefore to avoid the disease, you should consult your dentist as soon as you observe bleeding when you brush, when your gums become more pink, swollen or tender, when you feel teeth loosening up, when you have continuous bad breath or when you actually loose a tooth. You should also tell your doctor of all the medicines you are taking because certain medicines also cause the gum diseases.

Gum diseases are preventable. You should:
–    brush two times a day
–    floss daily
–    use toothpaste with fluoride
–    use soft toothbrush, replace them once at least every 3 months
–    eat healthy
–    don’t smoke
–    visit your dentist regularly