Dental Danger signs

There can be so many dental problems that affect us but not many people are aware of what they are and how they really start. Frankly, the vast majority of people only realize the problems they face when their teeth actually start paining or start moving inside their mouth! But by then it has already become too late!

Dental caries and gum disease are one of the common dental problems faced by adults, but they can start at any age. Gum disease starts slowly without any pain and so does dental caries. Most of the time you are unaware of any changes till you are about to lose teeth.

The best way to make sure that your teeth are not affected by cavities or dental caries is by getting them checked at least once in six months at your favorite dentist! But gum disease is not so easy to catch!

The positive facts about gum disease  is that : It can be prevented, it can be treated and it can be reversed.

What are the tell tale signs of gum disease:
•    A change in the color of your gums
•    Gums that have reddened around your teeth
•    Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
•    Bad breath that will not go away
•    A metallic taste in your mouth
•    Puffy, sore or shiny gums.
•    Sensitiveness of teeth due to no reason.

Gum diseases attack the attachment between the teeth and the gums. Gum disease begins with plaque. Plaque is sticky substance carrying bacteria. It forms on the teeth and the point of attachment of teeth and gums everyday. If plaque is not removed by brushing or flossing, it hardens into tartar.

Tartar cannot be rid off by brushing or flossing. Tartar can lead to infection where the teeth meets the gums. In the early stage, the condition is called as Gingivitis. Your gums may bleed but you will not notice anything.

As gingivitis gets worse you may notice puffy gums, traces of blood on your tooth brush and a change in color of your gums. Subsequently the gum attached to the tooth will be broken down. This is called as ‘attachment loss”. Now you will notice swelling, bleeding and soreness of your gum. Along with this the disease causes the break down of the bone that holds the tooth also. If untreated the tooth is in danger of loosening and falling out.

The best way to treat gum disease is to make sure that it does not start at all. The disease is progressive and can be totally destructive if it is left to progress by itself. To protect your teeth, brush at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and consult your dentist for oral examination regularly.