If you have healthy gums, they will look firm and pink. If they are red or swollen, there is a good chance you mat be developing gingivitis. Another sign is bad breath which will not go away. That is ususally the first sign that you have a problem. Many people ask how to stop gum disease. You should be warned that gum disease is a silent enemy and because it develops over time, you may not be aware that you have a problem.
Gum disease is normally thought as an older person's health condition, with the advancement of the years. But it is also a younger person's problem. The basic problem is that the gum and bone which keep the teeth in place may become damaged for some reason with the result in the loss of teeth as no other option is available.
If your gum disease is serious, your dental professional may refer you to a specialist called a periodontist. In its early stages, gum disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis sometimes, but not always, worsens into a more severe form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, and regular cleaning by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Plaque is enemy number one in gingivitis. This is a sticky sunbstance and if left long enough can turn into tartar which is very damaging especially for the gums. This dental plaque is full of bacteria. Why older people lose their teeth is because they increasingly suffer from this as they get older and maybe have not taken prevention seriously enough. Oral contraceptives, poor oral hygiene and chemiotherapy complete the list of causes of gingivitis.
Brushing teeth at least twice a day is a good rule to adopt to prevent gum disease. Visits to the dentist should be done regularly so that dental cleaning - the build up of tartar cannot be removed by brushing alone. Flossing daily or the use of a a special gum brush are great ways to keep the gums free of disease. As people get older, bone loss will occur as it is a normal process of ageing and therefore teeth are at risk because bone tissue provides vital support for your teeth.
Red wine has now made its debut as a cure all and therefore it is not surprising to find it here ! A Canadian study has found that certain chemicals in red wine may help to prevent this condition but the acidic content of red wine may cause other problems. Similarly components in melatonin and even in ordinary antacids have been found to help bone formation and also stimulate the body's defense systems.
Toothpastes and mouth rinses containing fluoride strengthen the teeth and help prevent decay. Always brush with a toothpaste that contains fluoride; some dentists also recommend daily mouth rinses containing fluoride. Hundreds of types of bacteria live in the mouth, so keeping plaque at bay is a constant battle. Sometimes your dentist will also prescribe antibiotics or a special antibacterial mouth rinse to tackle the problem.
Longer term measures are to try and keep well and to de-stress (which is not always easy). Anything which compromises your immune system will have anegative effect on your body maintenance and that includes gums. Needless to say smoking is not recommended!
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