Brushing and flossing are two tasks which many of us find monotonous to perform every day in our life. People tend to overlook a fact that this bad habit can lead to certain gum diseases affecting our overall health. Gum diseases cause not just some tormenting dental problems in our mouth but can invite more health complications too. Some simple but regular dental care followed by us can negate the gum disease in its early stage.
Improper brushing and flossing are not just the factors by which we become victims of gum disease. Other contributing factors can be: Being genetically predisposed, use of tobacco, some medications and odd habits like grinding and clenching of teeth. Basically the plaque and tartar build up are the main culprits in causing periodontal disease or gum disease in us.
Gum disease which starts in the mouth can grow in many stages and ultimately bring about life threatening health conditions in us. Periodontal disease or gum disease starts with some symptoms like: Bad breathe, bleeding and swollen gums, abscessed teeth, tooth sensitivity, mobility of teeth and tooth loss.
The early stage of gum disease called Gingivitis usually goes undetected. Some effort and dental care can reverse this condition.
The untreated Gingivitis leads to an advanced stage called as Periodontitis. Periodontitis spreads in the mouth stage by stage. Chronic inflammation around the infected area in the mouth is a sure sign of Periodontitis. Bone and tissues around the infected tooth weaken and may result in loss of the tooth.
Notwithstanding the loss of teeth in our mouth, the gum disease sets the stage for more life threatening conditions in our body. Some of the diseases contributed by gum diseases are:
Preterm Birth: Many pregnant women suffering from gum diseases during their pregnancy can give birth to premature babies. (Premature babies face many health complications too). Such of those pregnant women who are susceptible to gum disease should follow proper dental habits and always seek the consultation of their family dentist for proper dental care throughout their pregnancy.
Chronic Kidney disease: Studies suggest that people devoid of natural teeth are more likely to face chronic kidney complications. Sometimes this can result in kidney failure and bone problems.
Diabetes: Most diabetics are prone to gum disease caused by the high blood sugar levels. Diabetics need to follow extra dental care and make every effort to prevent the advancement of gum disease in them. Regular check ups and cleaning of teeth done under dental supervision must be adhered to.
Stroke and Heart disease: Gum disease spreads high levels of bacteria in the mouth and other parts of our body. This can result in plaque formation even in the blood vessels giving rise to cardiovascular disease too. If untreated, it can cause stroke and a diseased heart condition in the person.
Hence, it is critical that we follow proper dental hygiene to avoid gum disease. Arresting the plaque formation by scaling of teeth, use of medicated mouth rinses recommended by the dentist and resorting to surgery to halt the progression of the gum disease are some ways to tackle the threatening gum disease in us.
