Preventing Gum Decay (Gum Disease)

Gum decay is better known by most people as gum disease. Gum disease and gum decay are basically the same things: they represent the gums being perpetually attacked by bacteria and germs, and ultimately becoming infected and decaying. The early signs of gum decay are called gingivitis, which if left untreated can rapidly progress into periodontitis.

Gum decay is something that should be taken very seriously, because the lining of gums can easily become infected with bacteria if tartar and plaque (biofilm) on the teeth is not removed daily and treated annually with cleanings at your dentist's office.

When the gums become infected they form gum pockets, which are pockets of infection that cause the gums to detach from the teeth and that can attack the teeth, the bones, the jaw and the gums, ultimately causing gum decay, tooth decay and tooth loss.

Who Gets Gum Decay? Gum decay is perhaps the most common disease in the world. As a matter of fact, about eight out of ten people will suffer from gum decay during their lifetime. Experts say that about eighty percent of all people already do suffer from gum decay. Needless to say, it's so common that gum disease is considered to be the most common and prevalent of all disease worldwide during the present day, which is a shockingly alarming statistic.

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How Can You Prevent Gum decay? It's unanimously agreed upon that prevention is the best method of treating gum decay, although those who suffer from gum decay do have conventional treatment options. Experts suggest that you only eat products that contain natural sugars, like Xylitol, which is a naturally occurring sugar in the body that does not promote gum decay or tooth decay. One should avoid eating processed foods that contain pesticides and avoid junk foods at all costs, which can disrupt the body's natural balance.

An active lifestyle and a well balanced and healthy diet in combination with a strong oral hygiene regiment – i.e., brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, mouth rinsing daily – is a strong method of prevention. Additionally, natural supplements that contain antioxidants like vitamin C, bioflavonoids and Coq10 can help promote excellent gum health and prevent gum decay.

Treatment Options for Gum Decay Your dentist may prescribe more frequent oral cleanings, deep cleanings or a full mouth debridement for treating gum decay You may need surgical debridement where the gum flaps are folded and a deep cleaning is surgically administered Laser gum cleaning is becoming increasingly popular but is limited in where you can find it Prescription products like antibiotics and toothpastes may be prescribed to reduce bacterial growth Gum skin graft surgery may be required for gum decay where the gums have recessed too far