Understanding Gum Disease: How to Prevent and Maintain Oral Health

 What are the types of gum disease and what are their symptoms?

Gum disease is often silent and has no obvious symptoms in the early stages, so it is difficult to detect in the early stages, which means that symptoms may not appear until the later stages of the disease. Here are some common types of oral gum disease:

Gingivitis: The mildest form of gum disease, usually caused by plaque accumulation. Symptoms of gingivitis include red and swollen gums, bleeding (especially when brushing), and bad breath.

Periodontitis: Periodontitis is the advanced stage of untreated gingivitis. At this time, the inflammation will spread to the bones and tissues around the teeth, causing the teeth to loosen or even fall out. Symptoms include gum recession, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, abscesses, etc.

Necrotic gingivitis: This disease is rare and usually occurs in people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include severe gum pain, ulcers, necrosis and fever, which require emergency treatment.

Gum recession: refers to the phenomenon that the gum tissue gradually recedes, exposing the tooth root. Under normal circumstances, the gums cover the root part of the tooth, but as the gums shrink, the root will be exposed. This situation not only affects the appearance, but may also lead to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of caries, and even loose teeth.

How can gum disease be prevented?

Relevant data research shows that if most oral diseases can be prevented early and good oral hygiene is maintained, the risk of oral diseases can be effectively reduced. The following are some common and effective prevention methods:

Maintain good oral hygiene habits: The correct brushing method is the basis for preventing gum disease. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and use dental floss to clean the gaps between teeth to remove physical debris in the gaps between teeth. Choose fluoride toothpaste and replace toothbrushes regularly. Adhere to good dental cleaning to help remove dental plaque and keep the mouth clean.

Pay attention to mucosal cleaning: In addition to brushing and flossing, it is equally important to clean the oral mucosa (such as the tongue, under the tongue, inside the cheeks, and gums). Bacteria and food residues can also accumulate on the tongue coating. Using professional oral cleaning tools (such as oral mucosa cleaners) can help completely remove bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of gingivitis.

Regular oral examinations: At least two oral examinations a year can detect and treat gum disease early. Dentists can perform professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar and prevent further development of gum disease.

Healthy diet and quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption: Healthy eating habits are also important for gum health. Reducing sugar intake helps reduce the formation of dental plaque. Smoking and excessive drinking increase the risk of gum disease, so quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption is essential for maintaining gum health.