7 Facts About Gum Disease You Should Be Aware Of

Gum disease tends to be one of the most common oral issues. Nevertheless, many people don't know anything about this condition and may easily skip its early signs. That's why it is essential to learn information about gum disease and the complications it can cause. In this article, we have gathered seven facts about gum disease you should be aware of.

Gum disease is an inflammation that occurs in gums. People who don't maintain proper oral hygiene are more prone to develop gum disease. The point is that bacteria overgrowth causes infection and inflammation in gums. That's why it is extremely important to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly.

There is a common misconception that gum disease can affect only smokers or the elderly. But the reality is that gum inflammation can affect everyone regardless of age. For example, children can easily get gum disease especially if they don't maintain proper oral hygiene. So you need to visit your dentist on a regular basis to evaluate your condition.

Some people think that the only symptoms of gum disease are red and bleeding gums. But you should know that gum disease can manifest itself through various symptoms. The most common of them are:

• Bad breath
• Tender and swollen gums
• Pus between the teeth
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Toothache

If you have noticed at least some of these symptoms, visit a dentist as soon as possible.

As mentioned above, gum disease can make your teeth lose. Without timely and proper treatment, you can easily lose a tooth over time. You should understand that it is essential to replace the missing tooth as soon as possible. If you have a missing tooth because of gum disease, you may need to undergo bone grafting to restore the jaw bone that also deteriorates because of gum disease.

Indeed, gum disease is caused by bacteria. But there are certain risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing gum disease. For example, people with a family history of gum disease are more prone to this condition. Diabetes, smoking, and certain medications also increase your risk of gum inflammation. That's why people who are at risk of gum disease should maintain proper oral hygiene and undergo dental check-ups on a regular basis.

If you have noticed at least some signs of gum disease, you should visit a periodontist as soon as possible. Even though there are certain home remedies that can help ease your symptoms, they can't treat the underlying cause of your condition. Additionally, severe gum disease may require surgical treatment that can't be performed at home. That's why it is better to seek professional medical help.

People with gum disease have an increased risk of certain diseases. For example, gum disease is linked to Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and heart disease. Additionally, people with gum disease are more prone to respiratory infections. As mentioned above, diabetes can promote the development of gum disease. But you should also know that gum disease can also aggravate diabetes.

Gum disease is a quite common and dangerous condition that can affect everyone. It usually causes gum bleeding, bad breath, gum recession, and teeth loosening. Gum disease requires timely and proper treatment to prevent teeth loss and other unpleasant complications.