Gum Disease: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly and The Very Ugly

As soon as a disease occurs, it has to be immediately treated otherwise; it can spread to other parts of the body. Pertaining to gum disease, one of the things that you have to do when it happens is to understand its existence and prevalence.

The Good

Figuring out the reason why you are experiencing gum disease is essential in ceasing it and preventing it from happening again. In any form of sickness or disease, finding out the reason why it existed in the first place is the best way to start the treating and curing the problem.

The Bad

Gum disease is mainly caused by microorganisms that are also known as “bad bugs” since they typically destroy normal and healthy tissues inside the mouth.

Bad bugs that are scattered inside your mouth are there to do a couple of things:

• Invade the entire orifice
• Colonize, especially in hard-to-reach spaces
• Devour bone and gum tissue

The Ugly

It doesn’t stop there… bad bugs, when not medically attended to, can seriously involve other systems in the body that can lead to heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.

Gum disease is now considered an epidemic.

The Very Ugly

So the question goes: How does one identify if you are already experiencing gum disease? Here are a few informative signs:

1. Halitosis or commonly known as bad breath that doesn’t seem to go away after brushing and flossing.
2. Swollen, puffy, and red areas in between the teeth.
3. Receding gums.
4. Gingivitis (bleeding gums during brushing or flossing).
5. Persistent canker sores.
6. Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks.
7. Pus or painful abscess present along the gum line.

What can you do if you are experiencing gum disease? And how do you avoid gum disease?

Make sure that you are practicing good dental hygiene and flossing and brushing correctly daily. Remember to visit your dental hygienist at least every 6 months for a thorough check up and clean.