Gum Problems: How To Spot And Treat Them In Time

Gum Problems: How To Spot And Treat Them In Time

Gum problems, bad oral hygiene, and improper teeth brushing all lead to tooth loss. So here’s how to spot and treat gum disease in time.

Healthy teeth have long been considered a sign of good overall human health. However, while taking care of the condition of our teeth, we should not forget about our gums.

Good oral hygiene involves taking proper care of both the teeth and the gums.

So let us uncover the basics of proper oral hygiene along with the usual symptoms and the best gum disease treatment.

Main Reasons For Gum Diseases

About two-thirds of humanity suffers from diseases of the gum tissues surrounding our teeth.

The first stage of the disease is accompanied by redness and bleeding of the gums.

If there is no gum care, the process goes into the second stage: the accumulation of bacteria at the junction of the teeth and gums. This stimulates the development of severe inflammation and periodontal disease.

In the case when the gums are not treated, the inflamed, weakened gums gradually cease to hold the teeth, and in the most severe cases, the patient may be left without them.

In order not to lose teeth, it is necessary to eliminate the causes. There are a lot of them, but the main ones are the following:

  • Lack of proper oral hygiene;
  • Smoking;
  • Overload of individual teeth as a result of the absence of others.

A plaque containing various bacteria accumulates in a poorly cleaned oral cavity. They produce enzymes that damage the gum tissue.

As a result, the bone tissue of the jaw gradually decreases, and periodontal pockets appear – an ideal place for the further growth of bacteria.

Symptoms Of Gum Diseases

There are always warning signs when there is something going on with our bodies. This is true when it comes to gum problems as well.

Start treating your gums before the problem gets too severe. It is easy if you know what to keep an eye out for.

So make sure that you check all these symptoms that are related to gum problems and that you take proper action before it escalates:

1. Red And Swollen Gums

That is the first sign that you need to look for. Problems with the gums usually start at the gum line which can lead to it being swollen or red.

Your gums can get sensitive, feel tender, or even painful, and when brushing or flossing, your gums start to bleed.

2.  Your Gums Start To Get Smaller

If you think that your teeth are starting to look bigger, that can mean that your gums are shrinking. That is another sign of a gum problem. You can have a bacterial infection that is damaging the gum tissue.

3. Your Teeth Are Getting Sensitive

If just a sip from a glass of cold water makes you shudder, then your teeth are trying to tell you something. This sensitivity of your teeth can go hand in hand with gums getting smaller.

When your gums withdraw, they leave the part of your teeth that is very sensitive, called dentine, exposed. That is why cold wind or water will make you wince.

4. You Have Bad Breath

Our mouth is a warm, fine, and wet place. This makes it a perfect home for lots and lots of bacteria.

Having plaque on your teeth just gives the bacteria more food to feed on.

Bacteria in the mouth can release toxins that end up irritating your teeth and mouth and has also very bad smell.

The bad breath can also indicate a more serious gum problem. If you only have gingivitis, then your breath is not that much affected.

Gum Treatment Options

Gum treatment begins with proper brushing of the teeth, which will save them from plaque. After that, your dentist can also further clean your gums and teeth.

If needed, medication and even surgery can be recommended, depending on the severity of your gum problem.

1. At-Home Gum Treatments

Here’s how to take care of your gums at home:

  • The most correct thing is to brush your teeth in the morning and in the evening and to accompany this process with a gum massage. These two procedures not only cleanse the oral cavity but also improve microcirculation, as well as local immunity.
  • After eating, rinse your mouth thoroughly several times, and eat an apple or a piece of cheese to restore the pH in your mouth.
  • Quality gum care also includes rinsing your mouth with dental elixirs or herbal infusions.
  • For thorough cleaning of interdental spaces, where a toothbrush does not always reach, dentists advise using dental floss or a dental brush.
  • In addition, for cleaning the parts of the teeth adjacent to the gum, brushes of a special shape are used.
  • Taking care of your gums means quitting smoking and having proper nutrition.

2. Gum Cleaning At The Dentist

Besides taking proper care of your gums and teeth at home, you can also get some cleaning procedures at the dentist’s office:

  • Deep cleaning of the gums – This in-depth cleaning goes under the gum line, and dentists use special instruments for this.
  • Scaling – It’s a simple procedure that scrapes off the tartar from both above and under the gum line.
  • Root planing – This is when any rough surface from the roots of your teeth is smoothened out. It will help your gums reattach to your teeth.

Keep in mind that you can check the quality of teeth cleaning at a consultation with a dentist. It is necessary to visit your dentist at least twice a year.

3. Medication For Gum Problems

Medication can be part of a gum treatment, that is usually prescribed by your dentist. The medication can be administered in cream or pill form:

  • Antibiotic gel – you need to apply it across your gum pockets after a good cleaning. Use this to help you control any infection.
  • Enzyme suppressant pills – you must take them after a deep clean to block the enzymes in your mouth from breaking down any gum tissue.
  • Antiseptic chips or antibiotic microspheres – are tiny gel chips that are introduced into your gum pockets. They will slowly start to release medication that will reduce the inflammation in the gums and get rid of bacteria.

There can be more treatment options that you can have, but that depends on how bad your gum disease is.

You can even include surgery on the list when you have trouble with your gum. But all this will come at your dentist’s recommendation.

The Takeaway

More than half of the population suffers from one or more teeth and gum problems. But this has to change.

Now that you know what causes gum disease, what are its symptoms, and what are some possible treatments, it’s time to take action.

Make sure to properly brush your teeth, clean your gums, and visit your dentist at least two times a year.

If you find this advice helpful, please share it with your friends. Stay healthy!

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