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5 Things You Must Know About Gum Disease

1. Gums that are swollen or bleeding may be early signs of gingavitas, infections caused by bacteria. Without proper care this infection can spread to the roots that support your teeth in the jawbone, causing teeth to become loose, so loose they may have to be extracted. Gingivitas is the earlist form of periodontal disease, ginivitas being an infection of the gums which can turn into periodontal disease. In severe forms all the tissues are involved.

2. For years scientists have been trying to determine what causes gum disease. Bacteria in dental plaque, plaque being a sticky substance forming on your teeth soon after you have brushed is established as the major villian. Your Immune cells release and try to get rid of bacteria but this can also damage the gums leading to gingivatis. Gum disease has been linked to other health problems. Researchers have many questions remaining as answers produce varing connections to gum disease and overall health. Research of on going.

3. Researchers are studying health problems of gum disease and possible connections to other health issues.

1. Atheroselerosis and heart disease - May increase the risk of heart disease or clogged arteries. Also may increase existing heart disease.

2. Stroke - May increase the risk of stroke that is caused by blocked arteries.

3. Premature births. - May be likely to deliver to early causing the infant to have low birth weight. Studies have linked gum disease to premature births.

4. Diabetics - May have a harder time controling blood sugar than people with healthy gums.

5. Respiratory disease - can cause lung infection or worsen already existing conditions.

4. Prevent gum disease with good oral hygienie and visit your dentist regualry. Floss and brush to remove most plaque from your theeth. Regular dental cleanings will insure that plaque is kept under control in places which are harder for your toothbrush or floss to control. If you skip regular dental visits plaque can build up on teeth causing it to slip below the gumline. This is bacteria which cannot be reached by your toothbrush. If it is not removed it will continue to grow causing more serious problems. Plaque buildup below the gumline causes gums to become inflamed and as they swell it can cause the tooth to detach. As this process forms it causes a "pocket" between gum and tooth. Bacteria can grow rapidly not only loosening the tooth and also causing bone loss. Removing plaque is important because over time it hardens and is turned to what it commlnly know as tarter. Plaque attaches to tarter because it is a rougher surface than tooth enamel. Without keeping plaque and tarter undercontrol this is a downward spiral.

5. Other risks which can be linked to gum disease are misaligned teeth or crowns, bridgework or braces, grinding and clenching teeth, smoking and tabacco use, some types of medicines, stress, poor nutrition, diseases and of course genes. You cannot control your genes but many of the above factors you can. Add Vitiman C to your diet for gum health as a severe deficiency can cause gum bleeding. It's easy maintence and recommened by dentist and periodists. Tanking vitamin C tablets or capsules is highly recomended.