What Is Gum Disease? Often referred to as gingivitis, gum disease is nothing but an inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, and the most common symptoms include redness in the gum tissue, bleeding, and swollen gums.
If neglected, gum disease can soon turn into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease which affects the bone underneath the teeth and causes loss of bone and gum tissue in the jaw. In case you notice any bleeding when you are brushing the teeth, consult your dentist right away.
What Causes Gum Disease? As already discusses, poor oral hygiene is the most common cause of gum disease, leading to plaque buildup on the gums and teeth. This substance promotes growth of detrimental bacteria and is likely to harden the tartar if it is not remove by flossing and brushing. Accumulation of tartar and plaque can lead to bacterial infection in the gums, causing gingivitis.
Common Factors Of Gum Disease
- Poor nutrition
- Hormonal changes
- Diabetes
- Certain medications
- Dry mouth
- Stress-related immune disorders
- Tooth alignment/crowding issues
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
2. Aloe Vera Aloe Vera is a potent anti-inflammatory agent which works wonders for inflamed, red and swollen gums. For optimal results and maximum benefit, use it directly from the plant.
3. Sage Decoction To make your own anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mouthwash, boil 50 fresh sage leaves in distilled water. The same solution can be consumed as tea.
4. Mustard Oil Mustard oil is a potent anti-microbial and anti-bacterial, which makes it an effective preventive measure against gum disease. Not only destroys bacteria and heals gums, but it relieves pain, too.
5. Fruits and Veggies Snacking on fresh and crunchy fruits and veggies is a good way to maintain proper oral hygiene. They clean the teeth, prevent plaque from accumulating, and promote overall oral health.
6. Need Products Need is an effective antifungal and antimicrobial solution for gum disease. It can be used as gel, toothpaste, or mouthwash.
Dental Treatment For Gum Disease
On the other hand, conventional dental treatments for gingivitis include:
1. Scaling This treatment is used to remove tartar accumulated around the gum line
2. Root Planning It helps remove infect parts of the tissue and smooth rough spots.
3. Professional Teeth Cleaning As the name itself suggest, it cleans the teeth by removing tartar and plaque buildup.
4. Laser Treatment Laser treatment is used as milder alternative to planning and scaling, as it causes less bleeding and pain.
5. Surgical Treatment In severe cases, surgical treatment is needed. It can be either flap surgery or a bone and tissue graft used to replace damaged sections.
