Gum Disease

Gum disease is chiefly caused by poor dental hygiene. It is to be avoided at all costs because if allowed to progress it will result in the loss of your teeth, and chronic bad breath. There are various stages of gum disease. To begin with you will notice puffy, slightly red gums that may bleed. At this stage gum disease is known as gingivitis. You may also begin to notice a bad odor. If you take steps to keep gum disease in check right away you may be able to completely reverse any ill effects.

As gum disease progresses you may begin to notice an increase in bad odor. In addition there will sometimes be pus around the edges of your gums where they meet your teeth. Occasionally you will notice that a space is beginning to appear between some of your teeth. Sores and ulcers will sometimes develop as a result of the increased bacteria count in your mouth.

Advanced Gum Disease

The next stage of gum disease is known as periodontitis. Persistent and pronounced bad breath nearly always accompany this condition. The teeth will seem longer because the gums have shrunk exposing the neck of the tooth. This exposure means that teeth will be more prone to decay and may begin to loosen in their sockets.

To stop gum disease in its tracks it is imperative that you begin a routine of thorough oral hygiene without delay. You will need a quality toothbrush, and if possible, an electric one. In addition to brushing twice a day you will need to floss once every 24 hours. Using an antibacterial mouthwash will probably help. You will also need to visit your dentist who may prescribe a course of antibiotics. A professional cleaning will remove any deposits of tartar, or hardened plaque, which will hinder the healing of your gums if not removed.