Gum Disease - Gingivitis, Periodontitis

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontitis are common, but potentially deadly infections that can lead to teeth loss and serious health complications if untreated. Gingivitis and periodontitis are stages of gum disease, which is also called periodontal disease. Bacteria is the main cause of periodontal disease. The bacteria deteriorates the supporting bone and gum tissue. This is the reason why some call it tooth and gum disease. Remedies for gum disease must deal with this bacteria.

What does Gum Disease Look Like?

This is a common question and a good one, since periodontal disease may be present without one knowing it. There are, however, certain symptoms of gum disease for which everyone should be on the lookout.

Signs of Gum Disease:

Cause of Gum disease:

There may be several causes of gum disease, periodontitis, and gingivitis - pregnancy, diabetes, medication, drug use, and nutritional deficiencies. Although this is true, the main cause of gum disease are common bacteria that get out of control, creating a inflammation in the gum line. Bacteria emit toxins that eat away at gum tissue and the enamel lining of the teeth, eventually exposing pulp and sensitive nerves. This is often the cause of a toothache. Smoking and stress may hinder the body's ability to stop the progression of gum disease.

The Stages of Periodontal DIsease and Its Destruction

Gingivitis is the early form of gum disease where the gum line becomes red, swollen and bleed easy. The latter stage, periodontitis, is when those flesh-eating toxins have eroded the gum line and support teeth and bone structure. Unfortunately, at this stage surgery may be required, but it doesn't end here.

If untreated, periodontitis can expose your body to infection and serious health threats, including heart attack, stroke, diabetes compications, and systemic infections throughout the body.

Gum Disease Treatment

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics for gum disease. Antibiotics may have bring unwanted side-effects. They can upest your digestive tract by destroying good bacteria, which act to protect our body. Yeast infection and the building up of resistance are real possibilities. Moreover, if dental hygiene habits are not improved and practiced then you will likely have recurring problems. Gum surgery may also be another option, but it can be expensive and painful.

Home Treatment for Gum Disease

Gum disease prevention at home is the best course of action.  Cultures all over the world have been naturally treating it for centuries. Self treatment of gum disease was the norm in the past. Essential oils, particularly of peppermint and spearmint, were extremely effective. These components have been proven effective against bacteria that hides in the cracks and crevices of the teeth and gum line.

So the goal of all remedies for gum disease ought to be to control and destroy the bacteria before it causes overgrowth of plaque that grows and spreads below the gum line. As it gets worse, gum tissue and bone are destroyed, leaving periodontal pockets. Tooth loss is often the end result.

So without effective gum disease treatment, gingivitis can quickly progress to periodontitis, resulting in gum recession and possible tooth loss. Morover, additional health complications may develop, threating your well being and life.