Treatment for Gum Disease
Gum disease is one those dental problems that have a lot of variation and is the most common among terrible toothaches. Diseases of the gum are on a range that starts at “simple” and goes up to “highly complex” ones that need complex surgeries sometimes. This is a sort of disease that can hit anyone of any age if they don’t take good care of their teeth.
Gum disease is caused by a build-up of excess plaque over the teeth. If this plaque is not removed by brushing and flossing every day, then it tends to build up over the teeth and harden over time to form tartar. Tartar is an excess buildup of minerals and plaque that can be easily detected as a yellow or brown color on the gum-line. This is the stage where the problem gets more serious and should have special attention, as the only way to remove tartar is to go to the dentist and have it removed by them, or it gradually develops into gum disease.
The risk factors that lead to gum disease are:
Certain medications: Some medications dry up the mouth by reducing the flow of saliva, therefore, making the teeth and gums more vulnerable to bacterial infection. Saliva forms a protective layer inside the mouth and makes it less vulnerable to damage, so it is important to avoid medications of this sort. Some medications can also cause a reaction by initiating an abnormal growth of the gum tissue, which makes it difficult to keep the teeth and the gums happy.
Smoking: Smoking has one of the greatest contributions in causing gum disease. What’s worse is that smoking not only leads to gum disease, but also decreases the chances of a successful treatment.
Other factors that can cause gum disease are: hormonal changes in women, genetic make-up of the individual, and diabetes.
To avoid this common but persisting problem, all you have to do is ALWAYS keep your mouth clean by brushing twice with a fluoride toothpaste and then flossing afterwards. Flossing is very important, as it gets the plaque out from between the teeth and keeps the gums healthy. Quit smoking and keep your mouth and lungs healthy. Also, make sure to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and a thorough cleaning after every few months.