Gum disease is a very common problem in humans. In fact, according to the Institutes of Health, nearly half of all Americans over 18 have gum disease, and nearly 70 percent of senior adults have gum disease. Gum disease has three stages, and the mildest form of the disease is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is curable, but the disease can become more serious if you do not get it treated quickly.
A Description of Gum Disease
Gum disease and tooth decay come from the same bacteria. You need bacteria in your mouth to help digest food and break it down into particles. While some bacteria in your mouth are good, a lot of bacteria in your mouth lead to gum disease or tooth decay. Gum disease begins with gingivitis, which is Stage One of the infection. If you have gingivitis, one of the most important signs of the infection is bleeding gums. You may notice your gums bleed when you brush or floss your teeth. Also, you might notice that your gums look bright red or darker than normal, depending on your skin color.
While Stage One of gum disease is curable, once the gum infection reaches Stage Two, the disease can be managed but not cured. At Stage Two, spaces, or pockets, begin to develop between your teeth and gums. These pockets can hold pieces of food and infection and must be cleaned out frequently to keep your gums as healthy as possible.
Treatment For Gingivitis
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, Stage One, there are some things you can do to cure your gingivitis. First, you need to make sure you are brushing and flossing each day, at least twice a day. You also need to make and keep your dental appointments every six months so that our dentist can make sure your gingivitis does not become more serious.
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