Monday, December 28, 2009

Gum Infection, what you need to know

Gum disease or infection, can be known as periodontal disease. This is an infection of tissue and bond around your teeth.

Gum diseases get in under the gum line and break down the gum tissue.

The 2 stages of this gum infection

Gingivitis
which is fairly easily treatable, where you have reddened and bleeding gums, especially seen after brushing or flossing, and

Periodontal disease
which is very serious, where the bacteria in the mouth grow and damage the bone that supports the teeth, you get pus in your mouth, the gums shrink back and you may have to get your teeth pulled out or they could just fall out by themselves.

You can be more susceptible to gum infection if you

  • Have heaps of stress
  • Have diabetes
  • Smoke or chew tobacco
  • Have bad fillings
  • Don't eat properly
  • Have poor oral hygiene

Gum infection avoidance and treatment

Work on your plaque first

All of us develop plaque and soft plaque needs to be removed by regular brushing with a good quality toothpaste and hard plaque (tartar) has to be taken off by a dentist.

Mild cases are able to be treated by brushing with a good toothpaste (most popular brands have too many drying agents in them, so beware), flossing regularly and going to see your dentist regularly.

In advanced cases, you may need antibiotics or even surgery.

Learn more at gum infection, tonsil stones, bad breath cures and even how to use a tongue scraper at TonsilStonesGone