What are the causes of gum disease?
Gingivitis is caused by a number of different things. A change in hormone levels is one of them. When a teenager is going into puberty the hormone change can cause them to develop gum disease. This risk can be increased if the teenager has poor brushing habits or is in orthodontic treatment.
Illnesses, such as HIV, that lower the immune system's ability to fight off other disease will also increase the risk of developing gum disease. This can include cancer and diabetes as well. It is important for those with these types of diseases to maintain their oral health to lower the risk of developing gingivitis.
The leading cause of gum disease is poor oral hygiene. It is important that patients maintain their oral hygiene by brushing their teeth at least two times per day and flossing every day. Smoking makes it harder for the gums to heal as well. It is important that smokers take extra steps to maintain their oral health.
Who can get gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as gingivitis can occur in all people young and old. People with a lower immune system are more likely to contract gingivitis than healthy people. The changes that a woman goes through during pregnancy make her more likely to develop gum disease as well.
Some studies have shown that there are cases of gum disease that are genetic. If someone in your immediate family has had gum disease in the past you may be more likely to contract it yourself. In most cases gum disease comes from lack of oral hygiene.
How do you know if you have gum disease?
If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth, you notice that your gums are further from your teeth than they used to be, or if your gums are puffy and red, you may want to have a dentist check you for gum disease. You may also want to have your gums checked if your adult teeth are loose or moving their position.
Is Gum Disease treatable?
Gum disease is easily treatable with proper oral hygiene. It is important to brush the teeth as well as the gums and floss daily. Your dentist may recommend a product such as Listerine to kill any excess germs. Listerine should not be used in place of proper brushing, but in addition to proper brushing!
People who quit smoking and develop an active healthy lifestyle are likely to be able to heal from gum disease faster. This is because the immune system is better able to fight off infections when it is not being constricted by nicotine use.
What should you do if you think you have gum disease?
If you think that you have a gum disease you should contact your dentist. Your dentist is likely to refer you to a periodontist. A periodontist is a dentist who has specialized training in all matters concerning the gums.
While you are waiting for your appointment you should start brushing more often. It is also important that you take some extra time when brushing your teeth. Make sure you are brushing for 2 minutes each time. Massage the gum line with your toothbrush as well. Flossing is important. Make sure that you are flossing between each tooth. Bring the floss all the way up to the gum line and remove any plaque that may have built up between the teeth,
If you let a gum disease such as gingivitis go without treatment it could lead to a tooth loss and other problems. This is often referred to as Periodontitis. The treatment of periodontitis is much more difficult than the treatment of gingivitis.
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