If you find blood on your toothbrush, even when brushing your teeth gently, you could be suffering from gum disease. This is an inflammation of the gums caused by ‘bad’ bacteria that live under dental plaque.
It is found between the gaps in the gums and the teeth and on the teeth as well. Additional symptoms of gingivitis may include but are not exclusive to a bright red or shiny appearance of the gums, receding gums, and gums that are tender when touched.
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease. This infection can destroy the tissue supporting the teeth if it is left unchecked. Unfortunately, if things get worse, a person’s teeth may become loose. After the situation has gone too far, teeth can come out. This is a shame because we don’t currently have a way to replace living teeth.
There is mounting evidence from medical research that gum disease may make people more prone to heart disease, some cancers, stroke and other disease. The body was not made to respond to chronic inflammatory problems which is what gum disease can often mean to a person who doesn’t know they have it or is unable to rid themselves of it.
The dental plaque accumulates in the gaps between the gum and teeth and after a while forms tartar. This means apart from a normal brushing routine, you seek the professional assistance of a dental hygienist or dentist to srape away the tartar by professional cleaning.
Professional dental cleaning is recommended traditionally, for every 6 months. With gum disease, it may be recommended twice as often. Sometimes, it may even be important to get a professional cleaning every two months.
If you exhibit any of the signs of gum disease, you should take action, including contacting a periodontist for advice, diagnosis and treatment. Try to avoid alcohol mouthwash. Periodontists have more advanced training and experience with gum health and disease.
Mail this post
Recent Comments